I recommend this book it will help you a great deal. Read it myself-
https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Gui.../dp/0133477436

This Guide will prepare you for the exam.
https://www.amazon.com/RHCSA-Linux-C.../dp/0071765654

https://access.redhat.com/documentat...uide-en-US.pdf

Fedora runs great on my laptop. You might also want to give CentOS a try as well. It's the free version of Red Hat.- Mageia is another RH based distribution you might like.
https://www.centos.org/
https://www.mageia.org/en/

Good luck!

Just to add if you got a Windows machine with plenty of space and enough resources.

You can download Virtual box and install Linux on it.

But yes it will be pretty decent to have another machine with just Linux installed on it. But if you're on a tight budget, be resourceful with what you have at the moment.

I learn a lot from Linux using Virtual Machines such as Virtual Box and Hyper-V. And if I made a mistake and can't fix it, normally, I will just trash the VM and start all over again. Failure is just one step to success if you don't give up of course, and keep on trying.

Here's a link that might be helpful to get you started:

https://fedoraproject.org/w/uploads/...ndamentals.pdf

No need to trash if you use snapshots, a simple revert to a particular snapshot will suffice.

True indeed, if the hard disk has a luxury of space of keeping the snapshot is definitely a good idea.

Thanks for pointing out.

As to compatibility for the hardware a "thinkpad" is a good choice, when it became "Lenovo thinkpad" I am not so sure about the compatibility but it is a good start point.

I am currently sending this on an Thinkpad X41 and the sound works fine (now) but you will always have problems (perhaps) on hardware that was built for a different o/s.

Fred.

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad E531 at work, multiboot FreeDos, Kolibrios, Win10, and Linux Mint. FreeDos and Kolibrios run rings around Mint, but do not do man of the things I need. Mint runs rings around Win10 and does everything I need EXCEPT run the Corporate software. Win10 works: mostly.

I am not familiar with the model mentioned above, but if mine is any indication, it should be worth a try.

Not familiar with Thinkpad E531 but if you want "corporate software" to run on non-corporate o/s then that is a big ask, I think(?) (I'm thinking of Mint).

On the other hand, if you start with free open source software (FOSS) it will run on any hardware, or software, that recognizes those standards, or ,at least, you are not blocked from doing so.

The machines I use only have free ,or nearly, software on them so I am spared "corporate software".

Fred.

As one who faced a similar situation (programming on IBM Mid-range machines), I feel your pain.
But a "50+ year old" person will be considered far to old to "fit in".
Universities churn out people who will work for half your pay.
You could try for doing some contracting in your old job field.
Expect to be looking at early retirement, though (Lack of jobs meant I retired at 56).

The best advice (to start with) is to get an old PC and try booting any distro, following instructions by finding sites using Google.
When you break things, it is very educational how to fix it.
I would recommend any desktop distro - except Fedora - a non-enterprise distro is going to be much easier.
You can investigate some server functions as you get more confident.

Then is the time to buy books on Fedora etc.

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!
Look at this; 7 Ways To Learn Linux In A Structured Manner

You could consider a Live distribution. The SlackwareLive is a great way to get started using the oldest and stable Gnu/Linux available.

The documentation is very helpful; http://docs.slackware.com/slackware:liveslak

By using a Live distribution you can see if the distro fits your needs. I like Slackware and have been using it since PV first released in 1993. By using AlienBob's SlackwareLive you can test drive and see if your hardware is functional while test driving. If you have any issue then you can visit Slackware's official LQ forum; Slackware to get some help from experienced users. For future posting, I suggest that you look at; http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...#faq_lqwelcome
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

Thanks to you all for the great information! I have already purchased the book called Linux Bible (by C. Negus) so figured I will start there and progress to your other suggestions when/as needed. In this book, the author suggests I use Fedora Workstation Live image to go along with the examples and tests in the book so I will probably start with that and fallback on the other suggestions if I have trouble. I am looking at getting a used T420 i5 with the upgraded resolution monitor and graphics to use as my test bed as I can get one for just under $200. I would rather not use my current laptop/desktop so that I can use them for day to day job hunting and reference lookup etc.

I am afraid early retirement is not possible for me at this time. I have already figured I would have to start my career at a lower pay scale then before but I am hopeful someone will value my years of XP enough to give me a chance. I am trying to remain positive and hopeful but as the days flow by it gets harder but I have to do something and figured I would try this path for now. I can always get a job as a greeter at Walmart ;(
I am trying to find a place to rent in Seattle area to be closer to possible work opportunities(I live in a small town in Idaho at the moment as I was a telecommuter for years with IBM). Rental market there seems very tight so its not going well not to mention its hard to find a place with no current income and just savings to offer. Not sure if this is the right move as it seems most of the FEW data center operations jobs (ones that fit what I used to do) still being listed are in Texas and east coast areas.

Again, thanks for the information and advice! Even if I do not take your advice now, I may in the future not to mention it's great to know the different approaches and hear from those who have experience.

Hi,

Great attitude!

You could look into some non-profits since you claim Microsoft experiences. With the addition of Gnu/Linux experience you should be able to open some doors that could lead to employment. Maturity is nothing to be ashamed or degrade one self. I've been in the industry since the late 60's and now that I am retired my experience can be shared and welcomed by others that need my background. I do miss the students and their challenges but instructing others is one way to give back to the community. I have learned to limit my time to outside stresses so as not to interfere with my life. But the rewards with the community meet the needs I now have.

Just be sure to take steps that can/should lead to gainful employment. Nothing wrong with self teaching but I would suggest that you look at a LUG with active membership for a possible mentor; Good luck!
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

Hi...

You're more than welcome, you have my best wishes and prayers in this endeavor.

Regards...

As above, joining a LUG either where you are or when you move may help.

Another similar tack is http://www.meetup.com/topics/linux/ and there are 'meetups' for lots of different tech (& other) subjects.
As it sounds like you may have the time (evenings), try going to a few different ones. They are good for networking, in fact that's how I got my current job.
The ones here generally get themselves into sponsored locations each mth ie on some company's premises and the 'sponsor' pays for the beer & pizza
We get people like us (tech guys), Vendors and job agents(!). There's a short spot where anyone who wants a job or who is hiring can get up and sell themselves for 30 seconds.
We then we have presentations by people who have eg done a proj in the tech topic of choice or demo how to use a tool in a realistic manner..
Its always fun to see if the demo gods are smiling on them ...
Can be a fun evening.

HTH