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As the title says. I've been interested in this for a while. I've heard a lot more about 40k, but that could just be because of the people I am around.

They're different enough that it's hard to compare, I think. D&D, and most RPGs, are designed with group-play to an extant that is very different from wargames. You generally need a mostly-consistent core that can play regularly to really get the most from it.

I also think that you will find that D&D is more popular than 40k. It is slightly less of a niche product and has significant real-estate in pop culture.

 pretre wrote:
I also think that you will find that D&D is more popular than 40k. It is slightly less of a niche product and has significant real-estate in pop culture.

Agreed, If you want to see just how popular check out some of the Meetup.com listings.

I've known about DnD for more than half my life... 40k? 3 to 5 years...

Anecdotal evidence yes, but at the same time. There are more than just the TTGs for those IPs, there are also tons of video games, tie in novels, major motion pictures, etc...

Though with activity here on Dakka you would think the opposite was the case lol

I've played AD&D since 1st Edition in the mid-80's, been DMing since 2002 (3.0/3.5 hybrid), and am playing in another game (3.5) as well. As for 40K, I started playing in 1999, but nerfed CSM, flyers, making Chaos Daemons a separate army, GK and Nehekharons alienated me from the game, and 6th ed finally drove me out, likely never to return.

Pathfinder (which is sometimes called D&D 3.75) is also popular, especially in my area. The other night there were two different Pathfinder games going on at my FLGS at the same time.

Pathfinder looks pretty cool actually. What books do I need to buy for it?

 ExNoctemNacimur wrote:
Pathfinder looks pretty cool actually. What books do I need to buy for it?

Definitely buy the beginner box, it is great for getting started

Then, from there you can buy the core rulebook, I believe there's a GMing guide and then the Bestiaries along with further expansions

EDIT:
Pathfinder is a fantastic game with very solid rules. As with any RPG, make sure that you have a good GM. When I bought the game for my group, I decided to be the GM, long story short it is a lot of work. If you want to GM, I suggest that you read the GM guide and Hero's handbook cover-to-cover, two or three times. As DM you are kindof expected to be fluent in the games mechanics.

Pathfinder Core Rules is technically all a player and/or GM needs to start playing...

Also everything is on d20pfsrd.com

I've heard 'Fantasy Craft' as a well-received not-D&D for people that just haven't gotten into Pathfinder...