Welcome welcome, and get yourself a decent little box and just go nuts on it. Install stuff, try to figure out why its not working, maybe a mistake you made, and so on. Then when you are stuck use this forum to ask questions, but remember you have to help us help you.
ports-mgmt/portmaster is a tool to install ports (FreeBSD language for programs/applications). I did that for a year or so and things often went off the rails for me, because I didn't do something right. It was a great way to learn. Later when you want a more stable machine, and want to enjoy trying to get more ports up an running in a more stable manner, then consider switching to another ports mgmt tool
ports-mgmt/synth. Might I also suggest farting around first with just console output, and then a wee bit later try deploying Xorg graphics and even some sort of desktop install. Desktops require a supported video card, and the other expected horsepower. I was like you a few years ago, actually worse since I was not even a Linux guy, and it wasn't long before I had my household completely free of MS Windows. My first home server box has served me incredibly well, rock solid well, and now I am in the process of trying to finish up the selection of components for my 'next generation' brand new server. My first one cost me $40 bucks, this one will be $800 or so. Gonna try and get some decent virtulization going later this year.
And oh, make lots of notes:
/home/FreeBSD_notes/