Can I have some advice please?

Okay, I'm totally new to the idea of Linux, but I am quickly becoming very disillusioned with Windows 8.1 (which runs fine, until I install all of the updates and drivers Microsoft wants me to install), and then runs for 30 minutes before becoming cripplingly slow and I have not much choice but to reboot... rinse and repeat. I have no idea where I went wrong and I am pretty sure this isn't meant to happen.

I am considering trying out Linux, but need some advice on which version is best for people who are...