Hi I'm a linux newbie who has just switched from windows and I'd like to know weather or not there is a decent switching guide
I can't speak for which is decent, but a google search for:
"how to switch from windows to linux"
seems to get much better results than:
"linux switching guide"
the former search netted many many results, ranging from specific switching guides by magazines, to personal experiences.
just keep in mind that most guides are targetted at one specific distribution (whatever the author has chosen), but most of the concepts and programs that they may potentially mention will be available everywhere.
another hint is that a lot reference Ubuntu, which has a different method of managing program installations.. Ubuntu guides will refer to apt-get or Synaptic (I think that's what it's called -- Synaptic does the same as apt-get except with a windowed interface, rather than via command line).
CentOS (and redhat and fedora) use RPM.
If a guide tells you to "apt-get program", on CentOS, load a terminal and type "yum install program". Most program names are the same or similar ("yum search program" will look for it but not install it).