Hello folks. I am new to Unix / Linux and this forum and wanted to introduce myself. Currently I work as a system analyst on an old IBM S/390 mainframe system with Sun and SGI at the peripheral that runs the heart of the space surveillance system for the US Air Force. I hear that our future might be looking more towards Linux / Red Hat. As such, I am looking to put some tools in the bucket but would appreciate a vector on the best way to get started considering I have -0- experience with Linux or Unix. I have an Information Systems Mgmt degree but have not used it much in the last 5 years. Most of my experience is with hardware installation and troubleshooting.

My first inclination was towards a regimented academic environment that would close the gap and reduce the learning curve. California State University has a Unix / Linux certificate program that is appx. 6-9mo long for about $1700 given I am in Central Cal.

Any input is appreciated.

Dave