billett05,
Welcome to the world of unix and to the forums! To answer your questions,
1. You can get Linux, a Unix like OS for free from the net. Check
this site for download info.
2. You can have a dual boot - both Linux and Windows will co-exist peacefully on your laptop; as long as you have enough disk space and remember to install Windows first.
3. I didnt get this question.
4. This site is a wonderful source for learning Unix. You can start by searching for whatever you want in the search section of the forums.
5. Be open to using different ways to do one thing.