Linux is fundamentally different from windows. I can see how you might assume that you need to install drivers for your chipset etc after a fresh install, but that is just not the case with Linux. All the drivers for you motherboard, network, sound etc. are all contained in the kernel and are automatically loaded for you when you boot. All motherboard hardware is well supported and in most cases the kernel is updated so regularly that it usually contains more up to date drivers than the OEMs release for their own boards.
.exe files will not run. They are windows specific. Some windows applications will run under Linux with the help of wine, but definitely not low level windows drivers. If you want to play with this install wine read up on how it works and try a few windows desktop applications like spotify (I think there's a Linux version now anyway) or iTunes. Generally speaking Linux has native software that parallels anything you used to use on windows or has direct counterparts. For example, VLC media play is available on both platforms, if you want it you install it, do so either from the command line or from your distributions 'install software' option in the menus. It you want to know what's out there just google around, try googling 'best Linux media players' or 'Linux web browser roundup' or 'Linux office software reviews' you will find new and interesting software quickly, and most times it will available to install from your distros software repositories with just a click or a simple command.
Keeping you system up to date is simple, there is an update software option in the menu, or you can type;
sudo apt-get update
This tells your system to check what updates are available, then;
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
This will systematically update every piece of software installed to its latest version. Learn about apt-get it will be your best friend.
Not sure what you mean by CDs not booting. If you put a cd in and reboot your machine and it doesn't recognize it as a bootable disc, then you need to go into the computers BIOS and enable booting from cd. Google how to do this its pretty straight forward.
Hope this all helps. Good luck.