It's going to feel quirky and different if you want it to behave like a 3D program. This is because its designed as a painting program that can have more in common with Photoshop or MS Paint than it will a 3D program like Max or Maya. Since you're completely new, I would suggest taking a few minutes to learn the following…
Well, while it is true that it is totally possible to get used to it the default navigation paradigm, Zwitcher really does work very well ! I personally don't see a reason to not use it. Not sure if it can emulate Max-style navigation but it does a fantastic job at doing Maya-style which is objectively better anyways.…