Hi all, bit of an infrequent visitor to this forum.
I have really just embarked on a similar project - trying to finally get to grips with linux and ubuntu in particular (i.e. got my hands on the LPI "in a nutshell" book)
I am in no way an expert but I have installed and uninstalled ubuntu a few times, always as a dual boot and on one occasion as a multiple boot environment. I have recently just found this on the ubuntu forums and it is literally hot off my printer - Main page - Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference
It's probably a good startlng point for the OP as is the ubuntu forums, a place that has helped me out of more than one ubuntu cockup on my part
Hope it helps