Unix training

Find a local Unix users group and start attending meetings. Most of them will have a group server that you can get a shell account on and start playing around. Do you have a particular "flavor" of Unix in mind to learn?

Most Unices are similar,but each has it's own twist or unique commands for doing things. You'll only find AIX on IBM's servers (RS/6000, etc), HP-UX on Hewlett Packard boxes, etc.

Buy Linux or FreeBSD from someplace like CheapBytes (www.cheapbytes.com) for a couple of bucks, or find a copy of "Running Linux" etc at your local Barnes and Noble -- they usually come with a CD. Play around with Linux/FreeBSD on an old PC, or set up a second partition on your current PC and dual-boot.

Find a non-profit group with computer needs and volunteer (check www.computercorps.org or www.netday.org for ideas). Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for non-profit groups. There's no substitute for having to figure something out to learn how to do it; if they're not paying you, they'll be patient while you do figure it out. :)

Get a copy of "Unix for Dummies" -- it actually covers a lot of the basics, which will at least get you started in one of the other areas I listed.

Local community colleges probably have cheap classes you could take too.

Kind of disjointed suggestions on my part, I know. Sorry for that. Tinkering with your own Linux/FreeBSD box is probably the best way to start though...

Good luck!

Bruce