Just so you know, we all started the same way you did. I'm only been in linux since mid-Jan, and I've been scouring the web, newsgroups, forums, mailing lists, manpages, etc.... and what have you. Does this mean I'm not a newbie? I don't think so. I still have much to learn as the next linux user so claiming that I'm not a newbie would be a serious injustice. Some folks might take to linux like a duck to water, especially if they haven't used windows or any other oses, but the majority of those coming over from windows have a rougher time going since we have to unlearn the microsoft way first and learn the linux way. I was just like you, I didn't know what the linux terms were and what to do about it, except to come here and ask questions. I don't ask many questions, because I like to figure it out before I have to ask. If you have to ask a question for a problem you're unable to solve, just post in the appropriate forum here and someone will answer your question, if they know the answer. Now, if you're having a problem making use of your home partition, did you type at boot the following command?
Code:
knoppix home=scan
And before you can use it, did you make the persistant home image file? On your taskbar (kicker), it's the Knoppix icon > configuration > create persitant home.