The manual for Poser5 covers the basics very well. the beginning of the manual covers how poser works in 3d, menu's basics, and then moves into using props clothing etc. it even covers building a poser character. get familiar with the sections on where items go in directories, its in the manual. then go to the freestuff section and start grabing things that are in your interests and start playing. Don't worry about spending money until ya get comfortable with the basics.