I am not sure which category, I fit under. I have been using Linux on and off on a very basic level for a few years. I know how to install it without any problem, and I can configure my desktop environments. I know the basic commands, and some more intermediate commands. I have used many distro's trying to figure out which I liked best, settled with Suse 9.3 currently.
My problem, however, is I only know these basic things, I have exhausted all my linux books which only deal with how to install and do some basic troubleshooting and programming. I was hoping someone out there, could recommend something a tutorial a book etc., that takes the user at a intermediate level and up. Many times, I run into problems, like my usb flash drive won't work, or my screen freezes if I hit ctrl alt f1 .. When I come across them, I don't really know where to look or what to do.. I look online for answers of course, but I would like to start understanding linux more to know exactly what im looking for..

Sorry for the confusing aura of this message lol, I'm horrible and putting my thoughts into words

Thanks in Advance !

well for me i suggest you go for server configurations

just to name a few
sendmail/postfis
ssh
vsftp
apache
mysql ... the list goes on n on n on

u name it, lil tux got it

again tat is jus my opinion, what about the others

If you know the basic commands you are on your way. I know some of this and some of that, I had a mentor that I worked with, I learned alot from him and even taught him a thing or two.
If you are have issues with a USB drive and Suse search the forums. If you have SUSE install, did you buy it or do a Ftp install, then you could download the manual. I subscribe to Linux Journal. I visit distrowatch (actually I do believe this weeks edition of the newsletter has an article about USB devices) and linux.com looking for news and how to's. You can also google your problem, that you are having. Read read read, search search search, I am not sure if SUSE has a irc channel, this scan be helpful, just don't expect the users there to lead you by the hand

Maybe you could try to answer the 0 replies threads on a regular basis. This way, even if you don't encounter the depicted problems at the moment, it may bring to you more knowledge and also can be of help in the future. Google, read, answer, and feel proud to have helped a troubled computer user.

i agree with harken, u can learn a lot by replying to those messages

Ditto,
I have learned so much in trying to help others!

Thanks for your suggestions, they are all quite good. In the past, when I had more time I used to reply to a lot of the messages here (my old account was attached to my old email which is now defunct, had to create this one yesterday to post). When I have problems, I do google them and search the forums and your right it helps. However I was looking for a more focused approach. I was wondering if anyone had come across some Intermediate books on Linux. A book that knows linux is installed, but it's main focus is how to maintain it, configure it, troubleshoot it etc.. Googling, and Forum Searches do turn up this information, and I look at them frequently - but again, if there is a book on intermediate subjects of linux, would love to hear them.

Thanks!

At this stage people tend to move on to books on specific areas or pieces of software. Most broad range books that go beyond the superficial are aimed at server administrators, e.g, "Linux Administration Handbook" (Evi Nemeth) .

One exception is "How Linux Works" (Brian Ward, No Starch Press), and it sounds like it would be what you want.

Beyond that, I'd suggest just following your interests. Once you've mastered the basics you'll mainly learn through the experience of working on your system over time.

Welcome to LQ! You may be interested in the LQ Book Reviews -- J.W.

how about 'linux un a nutshell' lovely book from o reilly.
also just try learning how to write shell scripts etc.
get stuck in with the config of the system. trawl through the /etc config files and scripts and see how it fits together. and as somone said, set up different servers, ftp etc.
you could also start again with a different distro like gentoo or something like that if you feel like a challenge and wanna learn more. the way most people learn about linux is by doing things and i don't think a book is always the right way to learn. you just need t oget stuck in

In addition, if you feel "comfortable" where you are, why not go out on a limb and try a new distribution? Learning the ins and outs of Slackware, Debian, or Gentoo always seems to teach people new things. Look for problems on your own computer to solve, such as scripting a common task, or writing a few cron jobs.

Thanks for all the help I have looked into many of the given suggestions. What I had been looking for mainly, was something of a formulated guide to help me (in a sense) step by step research this area and that. I looked at the book review section of this site, (completely in love with it now) and came across:
"How Linux Works" this was exactly what I was looking for.. a book that describes how the system boots, and how this and that works.., which for me when something goes wrong shoots off a light in my head and guides me to the areas I need to go for the solution. Many times before, something would happen, and I would have to google, and search and search to try to find , first the appropriate question - and then after that, hopefully the right answer.. I am a very, how does it work, person.. and I suppose that is why I was looking for something more in depth to help describe to me why something works, instead of just accepting it. Thanks again for all the help.

I am a very, how does it work, person..

(sorry konqueror doesn't wanna do quotes so thats what you said)

you seem to have the right attitude here for using linux. most users in my experience wanna know why things work not just know that they work. linux is almost a constant battle to find out why somethign is the way it is and when you do its like a brick falling on your head and its blindingly obvious but the thrill is in the chase of learning how it all works. (you never will tho. not totally anyway, its too great to have a mental picture of all the details of everything in your head.)
i'm way too tired to be rplying and maybe this is a bit too much of a deep and miningfull post but the main message is that your on the right track!!
night

peace