Goodness, i've just downloaded limewire because it's supposedly pretty good. i've looked over the faq, directions, and forum and i can't figure out what this connection type stuff is! what do you connect to, how do you connect to it, and how the heck do you get to download music? i'm so clueless

You connect to other p2p users (ie: peer to peer.) And we share files b/w ourselves. Be it music, videos, photos, poetry, etc. It will be wise to read some optimising tips & search & dwnld hints:
Tip 1 - 1st post only (click on link) & also Tip 2 (click on link) & also Tip 3 (click on link)

But just to make sure you're not having any connection problems due to Limewire (LW) being blocked due to firewalls, etc. Do the following test & make sure your result is True. If it is False post back here to this thread: Firewall check (click on link) If your result is false then we'll need to discuss how to allow LW thru your firewall/router, etc. Good luck. Sharing files helps.
Sharing files also helps you to connect to other peers & thus connect easier & find more results when searching. How to Share files (click on link) & mac images found further down the page.