There are couple of books you could buy (if only you could afford them). Some have training and educational copy CDs which could be used to achieve your goals.

The flavor of unix you want largely depends on you. But I may suggest Solaris. It appears to me very common and thereby has many support available.

Anyone you get would definately have user's manual which could assist you.

Just make a bold step and get one then you'll go from there.

Sola