Punkin, no offense, but, stick to Windows for a while. At least until you understand computing concepts. Then securing UNIX based machines won't be such a hassle.

Thinking based on concepts rather practical example will get you ruther, because, you can apply those concepts to more difficult tasks.
For example, using a firewall to protect yourself. IPTables/IPChains is what is commonly used to protect Linux based machines. In Windows, the firewalls are point and clicka nd you learn what they are protecting you from. Which protocls, services, or attacks are being performed on your system. With a UNIX based machine, this information is already assumed, and strict protection is all that you'll get from it.
So, just take it slow and take your time. Grasp the concepts, then move on to practical applicaiton