This is where you start. It all starts somewhere and this is where I went.
http://users.1st.net/kimberly/tutorial/tut.htm
Once you get the correct files installed correctly start reading a few of the beginner tutorials. You can actually take the example maps and just make your own from them if you are not too concerned with starting from scratch. Nemesis has the best beginners tutorials.
If you want to learn even more go here
http://dynamic4.gamespy.com/%7Emap/moha ... orials.php
You don't need to spend months learning to just make a simple map to fool around with.
If you need help just get ahold of me.
murchgraffix@hotmail.com