There is a nice article about OSM at linux.com.
"We have written about the OpenStreetMap (OSM) project many times, but we have yet to explain how to get started with it as a contributor. Since it is the vacation high season in the Northern Hemisphere and many more people will be hitting the maps, this is the perfect time."

This is a great introduction for newbies. Go read it and then send it to all your friends (actually, yes, why not):
http://www.linux.com/feature/145136