Really confused here... (computer question)?

Not to long ago i purchased an Acer 5610 laptop. it came with windows vista when i got it. i must have downloaded some sort of virus because it crashed on me a while back. ive tried to install windows numerous times ever since. first i tried xp, i used 3 or for different copies just to make sure i wasnt using one that wouldnt work. xp froze midway through installation ever single time, next i used a linux cd and booted into the "live cd", this worked but im not an IT professional and i could figure every friggen thing out. what should i do now? please help im at the end of my rope with this pc!