want to migrate to linux need advice

[Kadafi]

ok so i want to dual boot my pc to test out linux, i dont know which distro to choose. ive never used linux before but i like a challenge so dont want too simple or resembles xp too much. the programs i use a lot are msn, winamp and foobar2000, firefox, dreamweaver, photoshop, dvd decryptor, dvd shrink, imtoo dvd ripper, wintv2000 (although im changing my tv card soon)
i know a lot of these progs arent compatable on linux but are there other progs i can use at a reasonable level? i need a good music player with good library fucntions and dvd backing progs.
i have a pretty good pc set up (although my gfx card is rather poor after my last one borked and couldnt afford a decent one), *** about 64bit?
any help would be amazing.

 

[saffyre]

Ubuntu is a good one to try out and probably the one most people will recommend. You should find apps which will do what all of the apps above do without much trouble.

 

[GarethDW]

You could give the Linux Distro Chooser a whirl...

http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

As for comparable apps to the ones you mentioned, here's a few to try out:

MSN = Gaim
Winamp = mplayer (or XMMS which looks exactly like Winamp )
Firefox = Firefox
Photoshop = The GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
DVD Shrink = k9copy
DVD Encrypter = dunno... though I've heard it runs fine on Linux under WINE.