first of all you need to open up the original aspire linux os
To do this go to Files > My Documents to open the File Manager. Then go to File > Terminal.
type
xfce-setting-show
Click on Desktop to get to the Desktop Preferencs and choose the Behavior tab.
Now mark under Menus the Show desktop menu on right click option.
Then type
sudo su-
passwd (enter what you want as the admin password)
yum upgrade
then leave it alone it might take ages once it comes back
it will come up with a list of upgrade packages and ask you if you want to upgrade. Say yes and leave it alone. it will eventually come back to a # then kill the window with the cross.
if that doesn't sort your problem come back and i will tell you how to add in software despo's
Now your desktop will be slightly different when you are finished if you now right click anywhere you will get a drop down windows style menu with all your programs etc which i found better than the simple interface.
I went for about a month using the aspire cut down linux then installed fedora full distrubution. If you want skype etc we can get that sorted for you as well.