[dundee] Linux Newbie - Help Choosing Distro

[Ry.]

Hi, my laptop harddrive packed up and I lost my old OS (XP Pro).  I can't afford to replace the Win OS at moment, so I'd like some advice on choosing a Linux OS.
 
I've had issues with 2 versions so far - using Fedora Core 4, I wasn't able to view the graphics correctly and therefore couldn't even finish the installation.  Knoppix works and runs fine except one problem, the laptop touchpad mouse only seems to work for 3/4 of the screen area. Not sure if I can fix this or not....
 
Anyways... I want an OS that is pretty handy to install, will auto detect most of my settings (graphics card, mouse, USB, etc), MS Word compatible & good MP3 player (probably ubiquitous, not sure), and if it had a web server built in (e.g. apache) that would be the cherry on the cake.
 
Any advice would be gratefully received! Thanks a bunch
 
Ryan.   

		
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