I was able to cope with Windows 8, but 8.1 has been an absolute freakin' mess.
I've been looking at different Linux distros for the past few weeks and Ubuntu definitely seems like the most noob-friendly distro, but I can't seem to get it installed. Any time I try to boot from the disc (yes, I'm using discs haha), it looks like it's loading but then it just goes back to the bios... This happens with some distros but not for others. For example, I've been able to get Mint and Fedora installed quite easily. I read that this is somehow related to UEFI and Windows Secure Boot or something but I haven't been able to find any hard details. Anyone know more about this?
Also, I have no idea how to install drivers (on Fedora 20). I've been able to locate drivers for my wireless card and my GTX 580, but I can't install them. I've googled linux install guides but haven't found any. Is there some universal (easy) way to install this stuff?
Well, I've been using Linux Mint and have had very few issues. Since you have already tried it, I suggest you go with something you know that works with your hardware.
Also, it might not be your wifi card, but rather the router itself. Try connecting to a new router to see if it will connect. I had a five-year-old router that when I installed Ubuntu, it would never connect to it. Once I updated the router, all was good.
And pay attention to that first point. You want your lunix experience to be enjoyable. Don't fight things that will invariably not get sorted out in a timely fashion. Use a distro you know works with your hardware, enjoy yourself, learn, and you'll probably never go back to MS Windows again.
Have you tried Manjaro or Zorin? Iv been trying out all the distros i can find and those are my two favorites. Zorin is sorta similar to windows in it's layout and how easy it is to use.
what do you mean goes back to the BIOS? Like its doing a boot loop or does it load into a command line? Did you double check what you downloaded as in the desktop version could also be an issue with your live cd try and burn a new one if its boot looping
Just google Fedy (formerly Fedora Utils). It is a Fedora community tool that will install all the things with an easy GUI. Makes it fast and easy, no worries and all that...