something basic?

[Whitley CTR Cecil H]

Hi Karen,
In regards to general linux information, there is a lot out there.  There
are "howto's" that are guides to performing specific tasks using multiple
programs.  As for documentation on individual programs, man, info and
apropos are your friends.  I assume from your post that you are a windows
user.  If this is the case, get cygwin, it's a collection of the
unix/linux/gnu utilities ported to windows.  This will let you get your feet
wet and start learning while still running windows.  You can find cygwin at
cygwin.com.  The setup program runs in console mode and isn't the most
speech friendly app out there, but with time and frustration will get you up
and running in a "linux-like" environment.  Do not load the "x" utilities
(xfree86 and the like).  Everything else is console mode and is either used
by command line or has a curses interface (text mode screen).
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Cecil