I just downloaded Linspire 5.0 and was uterly disapointed it seems to get anywhere near the usability of my Mandrake install would cost a bundle. I also found the Mandrake installer much easier to use. My system with mandrake comes up completly runnung. I would suggest you purchase the 10.1 Discovery disk as it is by far the easiest and most full distribution (if you are not doing server or development)I have found includes Non Linear editor Sound editor two complete office sweets and all the software you would need for your stated needs. As well as plugins for browsing and 3d drivers for NVidia and ATI.
A word of caution make sure you make sure all your periferals are compatable to the dist you choose (especially printers and scanners)Caps printer drivers support the most printers and SANE supports the most scanners. Your hardware may just dictate the dist you buy. :-)
