I'm new here, too. But I've been playing guitar for more years than I care to admit. I started out playing the accordian when I was a kid and I taught myself how to play guitar with the help of a friend and a chord chart. I wish I had a tool like this site back then!

You may need to build up some calluses on your fingertips, which is a really important thing for acoustic guitarists. Also, make sure the action (height between the string and the fret board) isn't uncomfortably high. You'll probably need a guitar repairperson to lower the action for you. Be careful, though - too low and you could get buzzing sounds if the strings vibrate against other frets. Thinner gauge strings might help too. It may even take some time to build up some hand strength - there really is a difference between fretting a string and pressing down on a piano (or accordian!) key.

Bottom line is keep at it - like anything else, you're going to get it with practice.