Linux is very modular, and you have access to everything. That can be confusing and overwhelming for a new user but ultimately it's great for those who like to have visibility and control over what their computer is doing. All those packages - a lot of them are used by each other and that's why you have so many. If you haven't been installing extra stuff they're probably all needed. If you want to learn just take it slow and you'll get there bit by bit (lolpun) Otherwise just decide if you'd rather keep it updated or ignore updates as a blanket approach so you don't have to think about it.