Linode is great. Even if you don't use them (you should), their docs are definitely worth looking at, as they have tutorials on most of the setup and config stuff you'll want to do.
I personally use and like linode but this is for a friend who has no experience with linux. He develops on WAMP and till date has been using shared hosting. Linode library has good documentation but I doubt Linode is for someone like him.
What he needs is better performance than shared hosting( specifically in terms of handling high traffic) and ease of use.
Ideally, a preconfigured VPS with a control panel.
http://www.webfaction.com/ might be a good choice. I used it two years ago for a while and was very satisfied with performance and their (custom) control panel. Also, I remember they had very good docs and support staff that actually knew what they were doing.
Highly recommended based on my two years old experience.
edit: It's not a VPS, but based on your description, you should check it out.
Second this! I have a linode (use for OpenVPN) and a webfaction (personal websites). The nice thing about webfaction is that its kind of a cross between VPS and a shared hosting. You get shell access (i.e. you get to learn SSH on Red Hat Linux) and makes spawning off as many websites as you want extremely easy to do. Also, is probably the best place to host a django site, the support is amazing.
Shameless plug: my webfaction affiliate link is in my profile.
