John, linux mint.

http://www.linuxmint.com/release.php?id=18

TD recommends maya, I have tested it thoroughly and it works just fine, but as my laptop is a couple of years old, I use the xfce environment as it uses less resources.

In the end it is up to you! Some link-age below for further reading/reference.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_mint

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/2012s-best-linux-desktop-linux-mint-13/11110

And lastly, vaughans excellent open source blog:

http://www.zdnet.com/meet-the-team/us/steven.j.vaughan-nichols/

Cheers
SMGS