Introduction as a new user

hello,
as far as I found out, this mailing list is in English language. My native tongue is German but I think I can read and write in English.

I've been using Windoze since version 3.0 and I worked as a MCSE some years ago.
Now I am in the process of switching to an Open Source Operating System.

I've set up Qiana Cinnamon x64 on a multi-boot-system.
I am new to many Linux-related themes.
For example, I do not understand the content of fstab and /etc/crypttab.

For my current question(s) I'll start another thread. regards
Andreas