Joe wrote:
Actually my father-in-law is coming over to help and he has done this
a little before some I won't be totally helpless but I was just
wondering if anyone had any tips that have served them well in the
past for someone who isn't experienced in the process.

I bought thinset, grout, ceramic tiles, sponges, a level, a couple of
buckets, a couple of trowels. We are going to rent a tile cutter at
Home Depot tomorrow once we are ready to put down the thinset. I'm
going to scrape down the 50 year old linoleum off the cement base
tonight, does it need to be totally clean for the thinset to adhere?

The more you scrape off, the better the thinset (and tiles) will adhere.
I'd try to get it all off, but don't fret over trace amounts.

Tip: Get some kneepads. You can cheap ones for $10, your knees will
thank you.