newbie can't install 3.1

["Dylan Evans" <floobit_ix@hotmail.com>]

I don't know much, and figured the best way to learn linux is by having it.  
Unfortunately, the installation looked like it only half succeeded.  The gui 
won't work, and it won't auto-config my network card (I'm often on a big 
lan, and windows works).  Of that I am certain, and other things might not 
work either.  I'm seeing a lot of "blabbedy blah failed to load" or similar 
in the boot-up process.  Unfortunately, I can't take screenshots to 
troubleshoot, because I have to reboot to run windows, the OS where I can 
get on the internet, and therefore any possible support.  Any help would be 
most appreciated.  I'm sorry if I'm asking the wrong people, but I just 
haven't seen any newbie faqs or mailing lists.

Thanks
Dan