Hey Mark. have a look here under 3ds max fundamentals intro.

[Link to www.3dbuzz.com]

(you might need to copy the link into your browser)

These guys are kind off annoying in their presentation but I kind of like it anyway,

For example: (insert American accent here: "Ok, were just gonna go right ahead and create a.... Sphere. how dya like that Buzz, pretty impressive??? Oh man thats awesome!! you could like totally go and work for ILM now......"

and so on.

But its better than monotonous delivery and the information is well structured to get your head around all the basic stuff, recommended and free after registration.

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When I did my 3d course at Uni all my tutor did was come in and point us to a 3d buzz tutorial. Then he'd usually leave for a hour or so. What a waste of money. The 3dbuzz tutorials are quite good though, they'll get you started.

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[Link to www.3dprevis.com]

Its a shame that courses are so often crap. My employer is about to send a few of us to a Maya course but I'm almost possitive it will be something like you just mentioned.
At least they will cover the cost, but if I leave here within six months I have to pay them back for it...

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Well to tell you the truth, I haven't payed for my uni course what with defered HECS payments and all. Still, when it comes time to pay I'll be annoyed

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[Link to www.3dprevis.com]