Where can I get a good basic understanding of my computer? I need to understand what I am doing!?

It depends on how you learn, I learn best by doing. Try to fool around with the programs. Or you can use the Inernet as a good tool. Try typing in help for what ever program you are trying to use, there great tutorials.

Damages do not happen by silly mistakes that you do, but from an insecure computer while connected to internet.

To prevent it your computer should have at least one antivirus, one antispyware, one firewall, and one temp files and registry cleaner on your pc. And scan your pc regularly. And run temp files cleaner after end of each browsing session. Apart from that create a limited user account on your pc and use it whenever you want to access internet.Use firefox browser for better protection. Create longer and strong passwords and change them frequently, at least once in a fortnight. Do not open email attachments in unsolicited mail or in the mail sent from the people you do not know.

1) All kind of security softwares are available for free

http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/10/essential-fre...

2) You can use either ccleaner or awc personal after each browsing session

http://bestofrest.blogspot.com/2006/11/ccleaner.ht...

http://bestofrest.blogspot.com/2007/02/advanced-wi...

3) You can create a limited user account on winxp for greater online security

http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/12/using-limited...

4) Create secure passwords

http://mypchelp.blogspot.com/2006/09/create-secure...

5) Use Firefox for safer browsing

http://ffbrowser.blogspot.com/2006/12/firefox-feat...

Computers for Dummies.

This is a very good website, to learn basic skills, I hope you like it..good luck>>

http://www.ctdlc.org/remediation/

I cannot help you if you have a PC. But if you have a mac, then the help bar is like it's own website.