I can't get into chat, for some reason I can't download Java and I don't know what else to do. My home computer is rather primitive, albeit, a few years old.

But about this point, I found it best at first to find a nich where I fit in, bp forum for me. And I posted there as I felt comfortable or moved to do so. But then I found myself wanting to expand beyond that forum once I got the hang of things and I found out how nice and accepting ppl here are. I should also state that I watched from the sidelines anonymously for months before I ever became a member, so most ppl I already knew a great deal about. That made the transition much easier for me.
TgrsPurr.