RTOS recommendation

In the beginning, you shouldn't use one at all. Write some simple embedded embedded applications without an RTOS: Blink some LEDs, send "hello" out a UART.

Once you understand how to do stuff like that, then start with a simple RTOS like uC/OS. There's a very good book that describes the internals and which includes a CD. Or there are versions you can download.

Slightly more complex is eCos (also a free download).

Embedded Linux is pretty complex. If you haven't done embedded stuff before, I'd start with something simpler.

Not really. Slick tools hide many of the things you need to learn.

I'd start with something like an HC11 eval board or an H8/300 eval board. They usually come with "starter" versions of tools, though I prefer to use Gnu stuff.

Or start with an even simpler (but still powerful) RTOS like Sciopta. It has a hassle-free message-based architecture that keeps you well away from the pain of mail boxes and application-programmer-managed message queues.

Thanks a lot for the advice guys.