I am sorry your first experience of linux has been frustrating. There is a steep learning curve at first, but this is only because of the market dominance of microsoft. Someone who had never used windows would find it equally frustrating to try and download all of the hardware drivers and antivirus  that windows needs on a fresh install etc.  If you bought a computer preinstalled with linux it is just as easy to use as a new windows computer.

Like many of the best things in life,  like playing an instrument, it takes determination and practise to master it. But once you get over the initial difficluties you start to reap the benefits. It sounds like you could do with a buddy to help you get started.

 There are also many different versions of linux, so you need to experiment a bit to find a distro that meets your needs. Ubuntu and Mint are very easy to install and add software to, Sabayon comes with all the graphics drivers and propriatory codecs, and puppy is also a very simple and flexible distro. Or you could just sell your soul to the devil and install vista! :(

 Good Luck and remember "Luke, use the force!"

drbongo