Project Vision - How to get into the topic

Hey guys,

Some days ago I've imagined having a small LCD hanging next to my shelve 
showing some statistics of my DVD collection. The data should come via 
ethernet connection from my webserver.

Unfortunately I had nothing to do with microcontroller and that stuff 
before, but want definately get into that topic because cool and freaky 
stuff can be done with that knowleder :D

So the question is:
Can you give me a hint what I should learn first and where to find good 
how-tos?

I've googled a bit, but all those shortforms and technical terms confuse 
me.

Hopefully I'm not labeled as one of these "How can I hack my girlfriends 
computer" - kid...