hi ninja.
first thing: linux is a port of unix for pc-architecture. unix is designed for risc-processor erchitecture (32/64 bit). but there are many ports for x86-architecture ("normal pc`s") like redhat-linux, susu-linux, and also "sun solaris for intel".
the problem is: unix is not unix. every unix (hp-ux, aix, solaris, sinix etc...) have its own special "territory". i am working sinze 7 years with unix (zertified sun, AIX & hp-ux sysadmin/networkspezialist), but for every reason you can use your special unix.
i think the "easyest-to-learn" unix is sun solaris. you can get it from sun for free, only paying shipping. you can get it for inetel or sparc. the best to learn would be a sparc-sun station, but i think for the beginning it is o.k. to install intel solaris on a personal computer.
attached find a link which pc-hardware is supported:
http://docs.sun.com/ab2/coll.214.7/x...Enc=iso-8859-1
alternative you can use linux, but attention! linux is "the best of all unix-worlds". when you work with linux, you will miss a lot of commands/options/functions on other systems.
if you have got more questions, ask!
cheers, alex...