First of all, you cant remove that Maya logo unless you buy the retail version. It is to keep you from selling your work.

PS. the logo is just there on the shaded settings i think.

Your views can have different settings, wired, shaded etc. so that might be the problem.

I dont think the interface is somewhat changed in the PLE, it just takes a time to get used to it, but it feels really comfortable when you get ahold of it, trust me.

I recomend that you try to have some fun with the software and feel comfortable with the interface before you start doing some advances tutorials.

I recomend Simply maya and Digital tutors if you need some good step by step tutorials.

I hope I've been to some help, the best of luck to you!