Recommend a Linux/UNIX distribution

[m_the0ry]

I'm looking for a distribution with good performance and windows emulation, so I guess there aren't many criteria. I wouldn't be using it as much as a workstation and definitely not as a server. Ease of installation is a plus, and so are free distributions. I've been looking at FreeBSD and Debian, but the former seems a little too workstation oriented. Any input is appreciated.