Hello, I'm a linux newb trying to get more comfy with Suse 9.2.
I've been living in windows world for the past 15 or so years in the MIS field.
I'd like to get comfortable with linux from the ground up. I'm used to GUI interfaces for everything, but I know linux oftentimes needs shell access to get some things done.

Is there a good web resource for me, something that can explain linux and its structure/methods as if talking to a 5-year old?

I've managed to get my DVD player (to watch movies) and wifi to work in Yast, but it's kind of a mystery what I did, just followed some instructions I found on the web, but the procedure was essentially black-box to me.

Main things I'd like to know are:
- how to get regular accounts into power-user type groups (similar to root)
- basic networking commands (such as release/renew dhcp, set routing tables, ipchains, etc.)
- how file structures are used in apache (it appears some link to public-html of each user's root file)
- what the partitions are used for
- how to get linux to run as an authentication server, like AD in windows
- how I can use samba and mail servers
- basic programming for ultra-stupid people

Anyone have any suggestions for some good websites?

Thanks in advance!

Have a look at some of these: http://www.linuxlinks.com/Beginners/
Of those I would warmly suggest: http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/

www.oreilly.com

4 samba, its a book. you can download it