Keep an open mind. Don't boot up Linux with the attitude that you can fire up an .exe file. Take time to read about Linux and understand how it works. The world is so familiar with Windows because that's what's been in place for so long. Linux is relatively easy to understand once you get the lingo of it.
Whatever distro you choose, search for a community forum for that distro. Register. Post. Ask questions. Read threads. If you choose Ubuntu, hit up Ubuntuforums.org, or whatever forum that corresponds with your distro choice.
It also would probably be a good idea to read something like this.
https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/switchi...uivalents.html
That way you can at least be familiar with popular Linux programs. That way you can at least associate program names when you read about them on other sources so you can try to find the "Nero of Linux" which would probably be Brasero or K3B.
But as I said, most importantly... just browse Linux forums, read questions, read answers, post when you have questions, etc. That'll help you a truckload.
What to learn... 
Linear Mode
