It looks really nice. I like how it scrolls down but mybe you could put in a way that when you are at the bottom it will scroll to the top when it is clicked.
For your raid 5 were you thinking about getting a raid card or using the on board raid? Also I agree with Rufee if you dont know linux stick with windows unless you want to learn linux if so then this would be a good way to do it.
One good way is too set small projects for your self to do and while you do them you will slowly pick everything up but it will take time. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions I know java.
Looks like it will be a nice first loop that you can add to in the future. You just going to cool the cpu for now or are you going to add in a video card to cool to?
If you look at the size of an air cooler that will cool the same as a prefilled water cooler the air cooler is huge. I really dont like having something that heavey like that pulling on my mobo.