Okay, here we go:
I might be in the wrong place so please this move if you feel it is needed.
I want to do my part for the Linux world but will need all the help I can get because I am a noob.....I want to put together a quick launch pad, someone most properly did this already but I just can't find it so I want to make one I understand and might be easy to understand for other newbie's.
I need information on the following: I want to base this on what works for Red Hat
1) Tools to format/partition a harddrive, dual or single
2) How to find out what hardware specs you have, if you do not have manuals
3) Basic installation but split for Web Server, FTP Server, Mail Server, Workstation, File Server, DHCP Server, DNS Server
3) Trouble Shooting techniques, without any specisliased software, only usign what is available from the Distro for e.g. how to read the logs, how to boot/create boot floppy and troubleshoot
4) Security - Best practises and how to
5) Keeping up to date
6) Helpfull tips on moving around Linux for e.g. easy to understand grep functions, searching, editing.......
7) Connecting to networks, sharing over networks interacting with ms networks

I am trying to get going and get a path to follow, Linux is so big and so difficult that it is impossible just to learn everything so I am trying to get a path to follow..............Select, Install, Configure, Troubleshoot, Customize, Update, Optimize and then of course Improve and contribute........

I need information on the following: I want to base this on what works for Red Hat

Fair enough.

1) Tools to format/partition a harddrive, dual or single

Use disk druid with Redhat while installing, or cfdisk, fdisk.. etc.

2) How to find out what hardware specs you have, if you do not have manuals

Umm, before or after you install? If its before, crack open, look for model and brands. If after, use lspci or dmesg commands.

3) Basic installation but split for Web Server, FTP Server, Mail Server, Workstation, File Server, DHCP Server, DNS Server

Read the howtos at www.tldp.org

3) Trouble Shooting techniques, without any specisliased software, only usign what is available from the Distro for e.g. how to read the logs, how to boot/create boot floppy and troubleshoot

I think this is something you learn along the way..

4) Security - Best practises and how to

Read, read and read more.. got a great sticky in our security forum that points to a gazillion security related links.

5) Keeping up to date

Put yourself on mailing lists, keep an eye for patches, software updates from Distro or vendor, etc.

6) Helpfull tips on moving around Linux for e.g. easy to understand grep functions, searching, editing.......

ls, cd, grep, egrep, find, locate and well, man a command to learn more about it.. and learn a particular editor like vi, just about every *nix system in the world has vi on it or a clone, learn it and you'll be ok..

7) Connecting to networks, sharing over networks interacting with ms networks

Again, probably more howto's and manual readings at www.tldp.org

Also check out our LinuxAnswers, search our forums.. and so on..

Brilliant thank you.....just on the troubleshootingn methods, I understand what you are saying but I am looking for basic methods for e.g. Open the logs or run xyz or check for network connectivity.......this research shoudl be based on a network environment and desktop troubleshooting........