How does a novice do this

["A. Kane" <ak@jakane.co.cc>]

I am a novice not at all a computer geek. I just want simple clean 
internet and email with a good program like windows media center 
handling everything else along with some axillary stuff. I am not a fan 
of Windows or the Organization or of their products other than they have 
a monopoly when you buy new. I have recently purchased a laptop Toshiba 
Satellite 300 with windows vista. I want to change my system and yet I 
am frightened because I don't know enough. I am an artist and therefore 
very visual. If I can see it I know if I want it. What can you suggest; 
is there a simple solution. I currently use Firefox and Thunderbird and 
Open Office with Trend Micro as the firewall.

Thank you
Anthony Kane