Since I first met linux, it was a difficult relation ;) So for the people who begin with linux please read the following docs:

http://www.ponne.nu/howto/ (english)

Or better yet, if you are not interested in compiling stuff, or if you only want a nice server with apache/mysql/php then just install a ubuntu server, and surf to http://www.ubuntu.com

You can also install ubuntu on your desktop machine, please do not try this if you don’t have any experience with installing an OS on a computer.