Linux Information Needed.?

I love how Linux is free. I love how stable it is. I love how fast it runs. But, I gave up at Mandrake 9.0 becuase I couldn’t get my graphics card, modem, ethernet or dvd/rw to work.
What’s the best version of Linux for someone who just wants to use the operating system, the regular add-ons like the wicked PhotoShop-Like software, install QuickBooks (just about any version) and surf the internet.
Also – I need one which will accept my Lexmark X1185 printer.
Also – where can I download this wicked, near-perfect version of Linux which is free and doesn’t involve any scripting just to get the dang thing to do the simplest task?