Program Mode / Auto Pic

Might sound a bit stupid but what's the difference between the two ?
The manual says of Program Mode "Automatically sets shutter / aperture value according to the program line"
What is "the program line" ?

I'm really struggling so far with this camera , is P Mode the way to go ?

I think Auto mode chooses settings based on what the camera see's through the lens (a best guess at what you're trying to photograph - a portrait, landscape etc). In program mode you specifically select for example 'landscape', the camera then adjusts aperture/shutter speed to suit conditions within the limits a landscape shot would dictate.

I did briefly try auto mode on my Kx but after getting frustrated with some very random results I quickly switched to a semi manual mode (typically aperture priority).

To get the most out of any SLR camera you'll end up using semi or full manual mode. Otherwise you're reliant on the camera deciding what's best - and this often isn't the image you picture in your head.

Oops - seems I've totally misunderstood Program Mode.

After doing some research it appears Program Mode is basically Auto but with the added ability to manually alter shutter speed or aperture (with the camera then adjusting the other to compensate).

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/KR/KRMODES.HTM

Ah so it allows you a kind of mixture of Aperture and Shutter modes . I'll give that a bash and see if my results improve.
Many thanks

If the Kx is anything like the K7/K5, in the menu, you can alter the program so it prioritize the depth of field or the shutter speed.