There is a plethora of things that one can do in order to learn linux.
Getting the box setup is a learning process. Some good things to do would be to learn about moving, deleting, and copying files. Moving through directories.
Those are just some of the things one can do that would be considered basics. There are tons more things and I am sure others can provide them.
Also have a look at this thread and see what others may have read/ done.
http://forums.remote-exploit.org/showthread.php?t=7180
good luck
EDIT: Also might wanna have a look here :
http://www.reallylinux.com/docs/consult.shtml
Check under the section on the main page called Beginner Help. There are some really informative articles that can help in getting started.
As well as the Linux Newbie Guide here: http://linuxnewbieguide.org/



