Advice for choosing a distro

I see sooo many folks out their today struggling with what distro
to choose. To me it is simple:

Write down on a piece of paper a list of the things you expect
from an operating system. If you do not know, then write that down.

Next, write down what you use, or expect to use this computer for.
If you are a gamer, then your list will be much differant than if
you are a sysadmin looking to build a firewall.

There is TONS of information either in our archives or scattered
around the NET which pretty much outlines the strengths and weaknesses
of each OS. Read about them all, and choose based upon which best fits
your needs.

Install, and give it some time. If, after 6 months or so
of either dislike, disappointment, or whatever, wash, rinse and repeat.

If you are a tinkerer, then accept that fact and play around with
them all. If you use a computer to speed and automate your daily
tasks, and your OS is hindering you, then you have the wrong one.

-mike