So, I Want to Get a Linux+ ...

in Linux+
Greetings:
I would like to get Linux+ certified sometime this year. I am somehow fascinated with the idea of running an open source OS that many people seem to love. I have VMWare at work and will be installing Ubuntu probably Monday. Right now, I am working on the CCNA and am preparing to apply to grad school.
However, I am new to this subject. Should I try to buy a cheap computer to mess with different flavors of Linux? What book(s) should I use to study? I will of course, use this site's study materials, but I thought I would ask here as well.
How could I use an emulator for Linux? Is it free and legal?
Thank you in advance for your help.
I would like to get Linux+ certified sometime this year. I am somehow fascinated with the idea of running an open source OS that many people seem to love. I have VMWare at work and will be installing Ubuntu probably Monday. Right now, I am working on the CCNA and am preparing to apply to grad school.
However, I am new to this subject. Should I try to buy a cheap computer to mess with different flavors of Linux? What book(s) should I use to study? I will of course, use this site's study materials, but I thought I would ask here as well.
How could I use an emulator for Linux? Is it free and legal?
Thank you in advance for your help.

Comments
Thanks
Would I need to format the new drive in any fashion?
Or just start the BIOS and boot to the new drive, then pop in a DVD with the iso and follow the instructions?
Thanks
You can also snag a lot of linux distributions and other open source software as VMWare Player appliances, which are also free. There's no need to mess around with hardware.
If you do want to use virtualization, you could also just partition your hard drive if you have enough free space and want to avoid buying another drive. Also note that SATA drives do not use master/slave like IDE drives, but you can adjust their boot order in your BIOS.
For Linux+ I suggest you get a copy of CentOS and Ubuntu. The better Linux+ books will walk you through exactly what you need to do to find the right distribution, download it, and install it.
A nice tutorial on installing CentOS 5.1: http://www.howtoforge.com/installation-guide-centos5.1-desktop
For free VMWare Images, check out:
http://www.thoughtpolice.co.uk/
Linux+
A+
Network+
MCSA - 2003 Server
MCP - Windows XP
CCA - Presentation Server 4.0
All your base are belongs to us!
Now that I have Ubuntu -- what do I do to study for the Linux+? Are there labs to do or can anyone give suggestions of things to pay attention to?
I really love how it comes with a free DVD player, gimp, and openoffice.
Thanks in advance for your help..
es
The Linux+ in Depth (book) is what I'm using at its been very helpful.
You'll soon see that Microsoft Windows is over rated.
Ubuntu 7.10 destroys Vista.
es
I purchased a new laptop hdd for it