which distribution is the easiest to keep up to date with security fixes and patches as well as get the latest versions of software like kde? I've tried in the past to keep my system up to date by downloading the new rpms (i'm a redhat 9 user) but then would fall into dependency hell.

For the distro you recommend, how do you keep it up to date? what command do you issue?

I currently use Debian Sarge, and the Debian utility APT for updates (also handles dependencies)

You can update your whole system with a couple of commands if so required!

Debian Sarge is a good choice now. It will soon have security support as well. The only problem is that it´s not a moving distro, ie, it isn´t constantly updated. While it´s suitable for desktops right now, it´ll look quite old soon. Only Unstable/Testing after the Sarge release are constantly moving. The problem with them is that they don´t have security support... The new Debian installer is also quite good.

Imo the easiest distro to keep current is Slackware. Its current tree is constantly moving + has security support. It is also fairly stable. So far I haven´t had a single problem with it for example.

Gentoo is also a good choice if you want a constantly moving distro. The instalation is very time consuming though.

If you have only used Redhat, you will find these "command-line" distributions difficult, so you have to be prepared to read alot.