my best advice to you is to take a college class on it to learn the basics of it and the general interface and how it operates. 3D modeling and animation isn't exactly easy to learn at first but once you get the hang of it, it all comes natural. I recommend a college course because you will have an instructor show you exactly what is what and be there to answer all your questions.
You're second option would be to purchase a book on it or start reading tutorials online. 3DCafe is a good place to go. Good luck! I wish I could help you more but trying to explain 3DS Max to you in a forum like this is virtually impossible.
