For me it was always easy to start working with a new control panel set up, but them my degree was in programming. So as stated this becomes very much a subjective thing.

My advice would be to use Google. Find an online tutorial discussing the software that you are trying to learn to use and read through it. Ask questions of forums like this, and search to see if someone else has already deal with the issue that you are struggling with.

Chances are someone has already asked your question or struggled to find whatever it is that you are struggling with, so you should be able to find answers easy enough. Google is your friend!