3ds Max And Adobe Illustrator Could any one help me?

Can any one give me basic tips on how to use these. I just got these programs yesterday and I haven't the clue how to use them...I wanted the Adobe Illustrator 6 months ago and I only just got it. And I want to make like one of those characters which people make, that are so totally cool!I do hope some one is kind enough to show me where I could view some EASY tutorials to get me started..Because I have to admit...lmao...I am a fast learner.Thank You ...BexaOh yeah and what is your favourite graphics program that is really easy to use....I might get an easier one...if there is one....

illustrator is very powerful to design from scratch because it is a vector basis design tool... Photoshop is very powerful because it's abundant of effect manipulation of your design or existing images...