How & Where Can a Total Noob Learn Networking?

Hi, I want to learn about networking. I have a wireless home ntwork which I'm positive isn't very secure, plus I want to learn about firewalls AND Proxies. I have to call up my ISP 2-4x a month to reset my Proxie settings and such and sometimes its just a matter of resetting my software settings, so I would love to skip the 3 hours on hold with them a month when ever possible.

I'm a complete beginner to networking and I tried to read Networking + which was too advanced and Networking for Dummies, but I couldn't get into it because sometimes the "For Dummies" books are boring no matter what the topic. However, I'm an avid reader of both Ebooks and my Fav-old fashioned books. I have a really good library and can request many books as long as I'm patient, which I am since I can't afford the cost of creating a home library. Web videos like Youtube and such are cool too, but if I have a too many of ads coming at me from everywhere like on some sites or have to click after every paragraph I get distracted from learning.

So can you recommend any sources?

Also, do you know of any legal EBook libraries open to any resident of the US to download?:cool:
I know they exist but I lost the 1 link I had to a free library that had every topic and most titles imaginable both new and old, but lost it when my computer crashed.:o

Thanks!