Hi I am new to the online schooling and this environment. I have been told I need UNIX/LINUX/KNOPPIX FOR MY COURSE .. What is it and why would I need it and where do I get it... Sorry for the Ignorance and thanx for whatever help you can provide in advance..

As I have answered this question for many times, I'm ready to reiterate:
get "UNIX Essentials and UNIX Core" DVD. It is complete, hands down course for UNIX and Linux that will take into mature workflow (and provides the certification also!). It is widely available you can get it from Amazon, or from their web site directly. We found it to be more complete than any book and at our site it is mandatory self paced training for new users before they get access to the systems. People who had never touched anything but Windows in four days work as experienced users. I still review this one from time to time as it is my-absolutely favorite and very refreshing.

Hope it helps.