What PC games would you recommend to a new gamer? Preferably a free game to start with and preferably a game that doesn't requite a huge amount of time.
Eh... League of Legends requires time to be put into it IMO. Team fortress doesn't require as much work. But Fergal I think you will find that every game requires some time devotion.
You asked for a game that's free and doesn't require a lot of time, so I'd definitely recommend Tribes: Ascend.
It's a free FPS. It has a unique twist. It's based more on physics than traditional combat. You "ski" by using low-friction battle suits to reach ridiculous speeds on terrain.
If you're looking for something other than the usual shooter, this is it. I really like it because I think it takes a lot more skill than other shooters. You have a lot more to think about than Call of Duty.