Your best bet is to start off with
Knoppix, which boots from CD and automatically detects and configures hardware.
You don't actually install it to your hard drive, though you can if you decide you like it.
Knoppix finds and installs hardware modems, but does not work with Winmodems. If you have broadband, it should find your network card without a problem.
The only way to know if Linux is appropriate for YOU is for YOU to actually try it, rather than listening to people with one agenda or another.
I would agree. Knoppix is a great way to learn how to use Linux with out installing anything. It comes with WINE already installed. I was able to play/use any windows files like music and videos. I didn't try opening any excel or Word files. I'll try that next. I could see everything on my HD that has Win2000 on it.