Generally, the problems are with wireless and video. If you are able to tell what kind of wireless and video card you have (Windows Device Manager should tell you) and post that here, someone can probably help. Actually, you can test wireless by downloading the install CD or USB image and seeing if your card is recognized--one of the options given is to use a shell, instead of installing.
Also, you probably want to use a better title than newbie question. Often, the people most able to help are the busiest, and if they see a subject like that, they may not even bother to click on it, whereas, a title like compatibility with <brand and model> laptop will be more likely to get you answers from people who actually have that laptop.