Just take it one step at a time or you will get frustrated. Once you get your head around using layers there is no going back.
There are some good beginner tutorials on Adobe TV and also on YouTube for free.
One of my favourites is PHLEARN
Here is his Quick Start Guide Part 1, there is also a part two but never did get his promised part 3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryOgl4EDgn8