Manual for quick keys AND one for writing commands.

Hi there. Complete newbie here tho experienced XP/M$Office with a bit of VBA/VB.Net thrown in. I have a 1000 ???'s I want answered yesterday as normal but for a start here is a few of them. Have just installed the latest (as of Sunday 27/8) SimplyMepis6 but but very much on L plates.

1. Is there a manual/Doc for quick keys and for writing commands? (I do have rute.pdf which i only just started reading.) I am open to writing one or assisting in adding to /updating one if people have already started.

2. I need to access my 2 XP (logical) HD's because of troglodytes in my family who are not interested in masochism in the short term by learning whole new terminology, methodologies etc. So what I need is complete idiot proof instructions on how to mount HD's for rw access. I know I have to be a ROOT user but what folder/directory should I be in? What is the actual command I need to mount HD's? There are plenty of instructions that say something like this "use this command 'command line???????' " but do not give how to get to the command screen, what folder you need to be in etc.

I am keen to utilise the power of Linux & the support of the forum as well as contribute to it as learn more.

Any comments thoughts appreciated on how the best way to learn and any resources available.