I'm a newbie, need help

[Tyrone]

	I've recently installed Mandrake-Linux 7.1(my first time using 
Linux).  I've followed all of the instructions and everything, but it 
doesn't seem to be working correctly.  When I start it up there seems to be 
errors and then when I use the startx command to get to my desktop, there 
arent any icons and i cant run any programs.  Is there anyone I can contact 
to get some help with this?  I tried contacting Mandrake, but they didn't 
reply back.
Thanks