Questions from somebody who has never used Linux

Hi Guys and Guyesses, As the breastle says, I have never used Linux before, even though I have heard good things about it. My main problem, apart from being a techno-klutz, is that I am scared to bite the bullet and install Linux from a Ubuntu disk I have received. For one thing, I don't know if all my accessories like webcam, bluetooth keyboard etc will still function properly and also because I hear the Ubuntu version is a bit "weak", whatever that means. Anyway, to the point of the post. I have just got hold of a second PC, It's still pretty good spec for bog standard use with a 3.2 Ghz CPU and a gig of RAM. The only thing it doesn't do is cure me of being a klutz where PCs are concerned. What I hope you experienced folk can tell me-show me is ............... Which version would be best for a novice? Is there somewhere I can download that version? Is it possible to download that version, create a bootable disk and boot the PC so that it installs itself without too much help from me in the same sort of way that a Windows XP disk would?

Many thanks for any help. Steve