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Linux Mint is known as the second most popular linux distribution simply because of its user friendliness. It comes with loads of software carefully picked by the team, media codecs and drivers. The distro works so well out of the box you will not be spending any time trouble shooting. The Distro always focuses on what is best for its users and provides what the mainstream linux users demand. For example: Linux Mint 11 was released with the classic Gnome 2.32 interface because Gnome 3 and Unity posed stability issues. Linux mint is based on Canonical's Ubuntu. Even though Mint is a polished Distro its default wall paper and artwork collection is not very impressive.

EDIT: Linux Mint 12 was released in November 2011.

http://www.linuxmint.com/

2. Pinguy OS

Pinguy OS is an Ubuntu based distribution that comes with A LOT of software preinstalled. It is great for users who want to explore the extensive software that Linux has to offer. It is also very convenient because it includes almost all the software that a user may require. Pinguy OS is a fairly new distro but it is gaining popularity quickly. Pinguy OS includes a Dock by default and the overall look of the desktop leans toward OS X.

http://pinguy-os.sourceforge.net/

Pinguy OS 11.04 review

3. Ubuntu 11.10

Ubuntu is the #1 and the most popular distro out there. Even though Linux Mint appeals more to new users Ubuntu has a rigorous release cycle and tends to have more features implemented in each release. Ubuntu does not come with a load of software and codecs pre installed like Linux Mint. So new users may have trouble playing certain media formats and may require a few command line installations but due to the excellent community support they can be sorted out within minutes. Unlike Mint (speaking of Linux Mint 10 and earlier) Ubuntu comes with excellent wall papers and artwork.

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Ubuntu 11.04 review (unity)

2. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is optimized for users who are transitioning From windows. It looks quite similar to Windows 7 and comes with "zorin look changer" that can make your desktop look similar to older Windows versions and Mac OS X. Zorin OS also offers four premium versions (Ultimate, Business, Multimedia, Gaming) which are available upon donating. There is also a free version that does not come with as much software preinstalled.

http://zorin-os.com/

5. Joli OS