Depending on who you ask, you'll get a different definition of 'best kind' really. Each fills a certain need.
If you're looking to just try out Linux, I'd suggest getting a LiveCD. Basically you put the CD in and turn the computer on, and it boots into Linux. If you reboot and take the disc out, you're back in Windows. There's no messing about with installing, so it's good for playing about with Linux without committing.
A pretty popular distribution at the moment is
Ubuntu since it's been designed with usability in mind. The LiveCD's available
here.