100% agree with the 'just use it' part. I've been using Linux machines since the mid 2000's and the knowledge compounds over many years.

For programming language, I'd say Python is decent for a beginner. I've used Python as a language to teach some people programming, and the fact that they can do a wide variety of things (even games with Pygame) helps them stay engaged.

I would always recommend exploring other options as well though, to see what else is out there.