Pick up the RedHat Linux 7.3 Bible at your bookstore, it will run you about 50 bucks but once you learn it you'll never want to go back to windows. The book will cover absolutely everything you need to know, and if not you can always turn to the internet. The only downsides to using Linux is gaming (for now, its on its way) and some ISPs use windows/mac only software. But if you're connected through a university network that shouldn't be a problem.