I would like to learn more about GNU/Linux. What references are recommended?
Submit a LOUD support request in the LCSEE Systems Service Center.
There is a lot of documentation and websites that are very helpful when it comes to learning more about GNU/Linux.
For an LCSEE student, we recommend using LOUD but if you'd like to start from scratch, try a stock Ubuntu installation. The original aim of the Ubuntu developers was to create an easy-to-use Linux desktop. You can download it here: http://www.ubuntu.com/