[Ham-Linux] creating a new log in, what version is best for Ham apps?

[Steven Donnell]

Hi I have a cpl questions that Id like help w/: I have a pair of laptops 
that I got at a fleamarket, which have some version of Linux on them. 
However I dont know the pw. I know "root" is the primary login, but is 
there any way around the pw? I dont care about any of the existing 
files, I just want to create a "new" log in account. Also, what is the 
most common version of Linux being used these days by Hams. I have a CD 
w/ Umbunto. Is this a good choice for a beginner?
Thanks,  Steve  DE WA1YKL