look alikes don't really work? (Score 1)

I have been reading alot about the future of LINUX and mainly the BS about windows vrs. linux. I have been trying to find a OS besides Windows to run and learn. It seems that the best thing about linux is the ideas of open source, reality states this is about all there is, IDEAS, It doesn't matter what OS, and I have checked a number of them, can be just downloaded and run. The wireless cards need drivers to work, fine it you know how to do It, and other things seem to keep poping up. I have re-installed XP nine (9) times in the last six (6) months of trying to use LINUX. I don't know what to really do it seems so I bought a number of books, POINT & CLICK the last one, with CD's and there is still things that just make no sense whatever. I always return to Window because I load it, it works. I have checked the linux forams of a number of distro's, but it doesn't make alot of sense when you really don't understand the questions to ask, even the questions to look for. I will keep trying to use it, LINUX, but it does get exstreamly frustrating trying and end up re-installing XP so you can even get on the internet. Also why doesn't a light distro have everything so you can just blow and go? I have 4,2 gigabyte hd and 160 ram. All I have been trying to do is find a OS that works, wireless, Open Office, Inernet, basics. Maybe someday someone will think of the older laptops and that some people don't need all the other stuff. Thanks, Beekers