There are several volunteer organizations ready to help you with Linux and other free software.
The easiest way to get in touch with me and others is to join the Baton Rouge Linux Users Group newbies mail list by going here. Lots of people lurk on the list and like to answer questions.
You might also like to go to one of the CCCC Linux Special Interest Group Meetings started by John Hebert. I've put on a few of them myself. Ed Richards has taken this over and does a very good job.