Welcome to Linux!
Unfortunately, I don't play with my Linux machine as often as I'd like. It basically sits there serving as a gateway to my DSL line. But there are many excellent websites out there. Start with [url=www.linux.org]Linux Online[/url] and [url=www.linuxhq.com]Linux Headquarters[/url]. Check the HOWTOs and mini-HOWTOs. The LILO HOWTO should be able to answer your LILO questions. Honestly, I don't believe that the list order would make a difference in your case. Remember, when you make a change to the lilo.conf file, you must reinitialize LILO so that changes will take effect. Sorry, can't remember how to do that.
Regarding your NIC issues, you may try the configuration tool under X. I think it is MandrakeConfig or something like that. As a last resort (what I had to do, which is sometimes necessary with older ISA cards) is edit the config files directly. If you know the IRQ and I/O address of the card (sometimes easier to find in Windows, or use the setup disk that came with the card), you can edit the modules.conf file (I believe that's the name). Check the NIC HOWTO, and the appropriate man pages.
Sorry I can't be more specific. I'm a few hundred miles away from my Linux machine now. Hope this gets you started, though!