Any Ubuntu gurus out there?

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One of the biggest problems with Linux is the terminal. In my opinion, its ability to "speed" access to functions or directories is not worth the confusion it creates. I have spent several hours looking for simple instructions on how to add a repository to Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon (7.10). Everyone says something different. Some of the pages (including Canonical's own Ubuntu pages) seem to be missing steps, others seem to have miswritten the commands. I am a Windows user who is experimenting with Linux. One of the things that interests me is that the newest version of Ubuntu will run on a machine about as old as the oldest hard drive that hasn't failed, and it runs fast. This would be ideal, if I could use it. So far, I've managed to dual-boot Gutsy with Windows XP Pro Corp., import my user settings from Windows, save my network settings in the network manager by turning roaming off, install NTFS-3g and WINE from the repositories, and customize the skin. Now I am trying to play an encrypted, factory-pressed DVD. Ubuntu will not do this by default because of legalities. I understand there is software and a few library files I need to install from the Universe and Multiverse repositories. Everyone has a completely different set of instructions on how to install these repositories, and none of them work. The first myLotter who can give me step-by-step instructions gets best response. Please remember that I am a Windows user. I am used to point'n'click; I know positively nothing about the terminal, and not much more in Linux jargon. Thanx in advance!