Getting involved in linux

In my opinion you should first go into programming a bit before getting into Linux, it could give you an idea of how most things work with computers. I would recommend starting with "Web Fundamentals" which is HTML and CSS, and after that, learn a bit of Javascript, you could learn it at http://www.codecademy.com/ it is a great site, I learned a lot from there.

After you're done there, you could learn to get around in the terminal, like doing your basic tasks in the terminal.
For instance:
1. Update your system.
2. View your open tasks / kill a task
3. Edit a text file
4. Install an application
5. Open an application via a command
6. Use X-Based apps, like file managers, games, etc... For file manager I'd recommend MC
After that you could start getting into some tougher steps like logging into ROOT or compiling a kernel.

After trying all that out, when you feel like you understand more or less how all the basics are done, you could start learning kernel development. If you feel like you still need some more practice you could learn how to install Arch linux, that could be a great tutorial for you.
Cheers!
-danny