XV, I bought an ANDROID system HTC a few weeks ago and yes, it does seem a bit overwhelming at last. But I LOVE the OS.
First thing is to download a full manual for your phone onto your PC. Print the bits you might need, such as a list of on-screen symbols. I just checked, the HTC /ANDROID manual has 186 pages (.pdf file).
Then look at your phone and decide what you will never need. In my case that was Facebook, Twitter, USA news feeds etc, and delete them.
Then browse the list of free ANDROID apps
on your PC (faster, easier) make a note of what you will need.
Then download them to the phone, using the phone's Google to find them.
Then go to the appropriate menu and put their icons on screen for instant access.
Here's what I downloaded:
WiFi manager from Kostya Vasilev - vital - you select which network to connect to, or leave it up to the OS.
WiFi Manager | AppBrain Android Market
Skype (of course)
Calender
Beeb Anywhere (BBC text news feeds)
Stocks & Shares
Horares (SNCF trains and info, because we use the French TGV trains a lot).
YouTube expanded
There is a temptation to download everything at first ! and I have probably erased more than I have used. All part of experimentation.
PM me if you have specific queries...
OFSO