Learn Linux
 

My goal is to learn Linux and possible get certified. What is the recommended method of learning, plus with there being so many publications out there, what is your recommendations to start my quest.

Welcome to the open source world!

One of the essential things to do is to install a linux distribution, and i think you already did.
Next, you can either just experiment with your linux box and ask your questions here, or you can buy a text book (i did both).

And one of the things i always recommend is to install a new-user-friendly distro, because there are distros for "technical user only" that make linux new comers to RUN back to windows or mac.

I'd say install a user friendly distro like Fedora or OpenSuse and get a feel for the overall system. Also google for the "Fedora 10 install guide" and there's loads to get you up and running.

But then really focus on the command line and running basic commands, ls, cat, etc. and a book that I found really helped was "Learn Linux in 10 minutes" it's a Sam's publication and I just got it from the library.

Then I'd say start setting up some server stuff, like apache, php, openssh, and the like as that's what the certification and any jobs would most likely be in the system administration side. Just google for guides.

Also a really important thing is a linux journal. Everything you do in linux like installing rpms or tar.gz and problems keep a log so you can refer back later and also helps with knowing exactly what you're doing. Also great for troubleshooting

Hope that helps

I'd say read, read and read some more
I'd say if you want to learn howto swim..., won't happen in the paddling pool
In LQ you'll find links to all kind of howtos, and great help from Lq members
Just for starters and beyond

a good book.
 

I found the book 'guide to Unix Using Linux' by Micheal Palmer, Jack Dent, and Tony Gaddis. This was a text book from one of my Linux classes. read it from cover to cover. Actually skip to the section on partitioning, and installing. Then you've got a system to practice the commands with.
Another thing to do is get cozy with the man, info, and help of each command. Have a pad and pencil handy. Write the synopsis, syntax, and options for the commands you come accross.
Finally, search around forums like linuxquestions.org. Your own distro's forum will help too.
Need help installing, IM me at yahoo or msn messangers.

Take a look at the The Linux Documentation Project. You'll find plenty of great pdf books and guides ranging from beginners right through to advanced. There are also plenty of how-tos and faqs on the site. You should be able to find most everything you need there to get you started, and then some.

Finest and the quickest way of learning Linux is to play with them yourself and bump into problems.

For eg. start by installing a bunch of applications, configuring them, and use them. I'm kinda sure you'll bump into small issues. Feel free to ask questions around here in LQ, I'm sure a lot of people here are more than ready to help you with it.

And like sgmeunier says, TLDP has a whole loads of information on it...

Hope this helps!!!