Linux n00b (Score 1)

One of the disadvantages of linux is that there is no way to easily learn from others if you are not deep into a Linux community. I am a noob at Linux with lots of computer experience(25+) in networking, hardware and software. It is all in MS/DOS, Windows, and early incarnations of MAC / ATARI / Commodore and assembly code for various early processors. Here is my delemma. I am wanting to learn Linux amd move away from windows. I have tried Fedora / Debian / Ubunto / Knoppix and played with a few Linux appliances like IP Cop. I have no community to help me with my stupid questions, and I don't want to take the time needed to read every manual. That means I am behind the 8 ball right from the start. So many manuals, so little time.