Dealing with problems on ubuntu

[SteVe Cook]

How do deal with problems on ubuntu?

At the moment it would often be quicker for me to reinstall ubuntu than 
sort out problems (normally created by me!).  working on the theory that 
  I'll learn a lot more about the system if I try and resolve the 
problem I'd rather spend an evening or two rooting through the archives 
of this list or asking it's users questions.


SteVe