Here's an info site about the many free Linux OS /also called distros.

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major
On the right sidebar you can even order cd/dvd for cheap.
Some libraries will have books/magazines on Linux OS's with a dvd inside.
Or same for a large book store with Linux computer magazines.

the PCLinuxOS is nice too and laid out much like windows.
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=pclinuxos