I am running Shake and Maya on a Debian Linux, it works great with Debian Linux, but its not a beginners Linux.
Ubuntu Linux is a great UserFriendly Linux that is based on Debian.
(Kubuntu is the same with an other WindowManager)
You found it here:
http://www.ubuntulinux.org
http://www.ubuntu.com/
here a help forum: (you also find a lot of HowTo's and beginner guides on the ubuntu page below)
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/
Just download the Desktop CD (700MB), and try it (ubuntu is an non commercial linux version !!) . The CD boots a Linux from CD, and give you then the option to install it on harddisc.
Its a lot of very good help and HowTo's available on Wiki's and Forums.
RedHat or Suse also very easy to handle, Maya and Shake runs on every Linux listed here very well.
Here are some mini HowTo's about debian/ubuntu i wrote, they may help you:
http://www.neoberserker.de/phpBB2/viewforu...ecd0f2c3f279f2e
greetings
knecht