Installing and configuring

[MrKnight]

Hello Folks,
I am glad to see that there is a Linux Users Group in Syracuse.
Although, it appears a little dead around here. I am an advanced
computer user, but a novice in Linux. I have installed several
different versions of Linux over the years and never got far with it.
Most commonly I have used Redhat distribution, and invariably start
having issues when I attempt to install something that did not come
with the distro. There is always a library missing or some file out
of place. I have resolved many of these by installed needed
components, but it always leaves me wondering why these libraries are
not included in the distro or installation package. As I am planning
a fresh install of Linux in the very near future, I am wondering if it
is advisable to install one of the mainstream "bloated" distros that
are ready-to-wear, or a small barebones distro that provides more
hands-on training to build up and customize. Please give me your
thoughts on a good distro and reccomend other places where I learn
this wonderful O.S.

MrKnight