Google is your friend.

First you need to figure out what what Linux distribution, also called "distro" or "flavor" you want. You can do that by reading comparisons online and trying demos. Some of the most popular ones are Linux Mint, Ubuntu and Fedora. Linux is by definition free to download and install. Extensive help and manuals are also available on the internet.

Thanks Catalin.  I've actually tried it once many moons ago, but it still seems not all that intuitive, especially given updates of more modern hardware (those that still work well, but quickly become antiquated in a couple of years).

Specifically,  .tar files and similiar update extensions. 

Although I do view some of the Linux User sites, I think I could benefit more with some direct guru help to quicken my progress.

Thank you for your response

-J

You shoud give it another try, I find the graphical interface as friendly and intuitive as Windows and OSX, and the Software Manager makes installing and uninstalling software a breeze. Self-installing archives are also available for most of the popular programs. I don't really see a scenario were you would have to deal with .tar files as a typical user. So in true Linux spirit, RTFM!

Hey, I'll take your word for it then. After all, I don't consider myself an  i.D.10.t

Thanks for the encouragement!

If you're looking for a very user-friendly distro of Linux, try Ubuntu. It has a quite large userbase and you'll find a lot of docs for it.

Otherwise, all distros nowadays (such as Debian or Fedora) have a graphical installer.

If you have friends in Lausanne that actually use Linux, my advice is to install the same distro as them.

Hi!

I'm looking for help to install Linux. I've tried few times to install new Ubuntu Verions, but at each time after reboot, Laptop's screen is black with the only mention: "GRUB Rescue"!

Is there anybody who could help me?

Thanks a lot in advance

GRUB is the boot loader. If it's getting struck at bootloader, it means that installation wasn't complete or GRUB is unable to find the linux partition.

Need some more info... Which version, how are you installing etc.

hi!

some useful tips if you want the gory details : https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/776643-how-to-rescue-a-non-booting-grub-2-on-linux/

or you can use a tool like https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Boot-Repair

and a probably more appropriate forum :  http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1714304&highlight=grub+rescue ,  http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2148003&highlight=grub+rescue

;)