If you want to learn UNIX, why not learn it on UNIX, such as FreeBSD? (There's also a free Solaris download for x86 available from Sun.) MOST of the commands in Linux are the same in UNIX, but there *are* differences, such as the ps command. (In Linux, you could do ps -aux but that won't work on Solaris.) FreeBSD is a free download from one of the many mirror sites available. If you want to learn UNIX, I agree that Linux is very close in most aspects, but not all. Not only that, but the different Linux distros all do things differently, ranging from configuring your network to installing software (rpm, deb, and tgz packages.)

If you *really* want to be high-speed, low-drag, then do a dual boot Linux/FreeBSD install, where you can compare the differences in each, such as where the configuratoin files are located, the difference in the kernels, boot process, etc.

I use both equally, but my I learned Linux first. If I could do it over, I'd skip Linux and pickup UNIX first, then go back and play with Linux.

... just my .02 ...

1) obtain access to a unix system (this may have a solaris slant)
2) remove your file manager and wastebasket from your desktop
3) type the following in a terminal window at the prompt '%'
% xman -notopbox -bothshown -fg green -bg black & <CR>
--- this is a commands syntax and usage list in GUI form, for a command line version:
% man man
4) enjoy

ALT
www.knopper.net ~ download knoppix and burn to cd then boot your pc from a cd. linux made ready to order and served on a piping hot platter of clandestine hulk AT x86 hardware (no HD required!). <--great for old scrap pcs