If you are new to linux, I wouldn't bother with trying to install so many different distributions. Start with one, see if you like it, if you do stick with it, if not try another one.
If you want the easy way out, install Ubuntu. It is easy to install and maintain, and there is good community support.
A little "harder" but not bad, Fedora. This is the test-bed os for Red-Hat; if you want a mimic of Red-hat, install centos. All three (fedora, centos, and red-hat) are very similar, learning one will make you familiar with all
If you want grasp linux, install gentoo. Good documentation, good support, nice package management. Installing it takes more effort than the above mentioned.
If you want to LEARN linux, install slackware. It will force you to learn.