I'd suggest a few good books first. Unfortunately I can't suggest any good Linux books. As for suggestions of a good beginner's Linux distro, I'll just as helpfully suggest "none of the above".
I'd suggest FreeBSD instead. Unless this is a project of yours associated with an AmigaOne you just bought?
A useful thing to know for anyone else answering your question is, "do you have broadband", as some UNIX variants allow you to easily download new stuff (software/updates).
sorry this isn't a very helpful reply, and possibly bordering on inciting trouble in a forum, but I haven't found a Linux distro that wasn't a total PITA, and I've tried a few. Starting out on FreeBSD is much easier going, IMO.