Originally Posted by
Mikey likes it
Is there a resource that would give me what I need to know to be reasonably competent in getting and keeping a linux machine running in, say, several hours?.
No.
At least not IMO. Linux is great, I love it...but I'm a complete tech geek with literally days to spend troubleshooting stuff if need be. What you're currently experiencing is the reason that Linux may never be "ready for prime-time" with respect to the casual user.