Projects in LINUX???

Dear all,
Let me ask for some mini-project topics on linux.
I'am doing the project on my own and doesn't have
friends or another system.I thought of doing some
thing in Networking but withouit another system
how can I do??My seniors told me to develop the
old linux version of Yahoo messenger to a better
(windows like) interface using QT.Again the same problem
haunts me..no friends or extra computer system to work upon.
Moreover i don't know anything about QT or GTK.I'am a 3rd year
BE student in Information Tech with very average
programming skill.i'am only learning the basics
of Linux.Can i do the yahoo messenger project??
the duration of the project is 4 weeks...can i do
anything else as software project in Linux??If so can you tell the
text book names??
Thanking in advance,
Gejoe Daniel