There is no shortcut. These are complex digital image capture devices of great power. With the power comes a very substantial learning curve, specially with the first camera. There is absolutely nothing whatever that is intuitive about these - or any - cameras. However, you have a great advantage over those who learned to use film cameras - no expense for film, and immediate feedback via the monitor, rather than waiting days to see your results.

Take your time and read through the manual cover to cover. Do this when you can devote substantial chunks of time over a few days. You need to have continuity - a few minutes every couple of weeks simply will not work. Do this with the camera in hand, and try each feature as it is described. There is no cost for film, and feedback is immediate through the monitor. It does not matter what you photograph, since this is just to learn the camera. Point it at the corner of the room, and delete the images later.

Once through the manual, having shot hundreds of exposures, you will have some basic familiarity with the camera. Now get out and shoot for a few weeks. Again, it matters little what you photograph, since it is mostly to learn the camera. Constantly check the monitor and try your best to adjust the camera to get the best quality possible. Since you are now familiar with the manual, use it as a reference.

When a month or so has past, with hundreds more exposures, give yourself the time to once again go through the manual cover to cover. A lot of things that blew by you on the first read, will make sense now. Again, try each feature with the camera in hand, and check the monitor to see the results. Then go and practice more.

Learning to use a camera is no more difficult than learning a musical instrument. It is also no easier. It takes time and practice. However, in either case the rewards are great.

Once you have the basic familiarity with the camera from the reading and the practice, start learning about photography itself. Learning the camera is not a goal, but a prerequisite. Two books available at used bookstores or Amazon.com will help a lot in getting started. These are fairly old and don't specifically cover digital. However, the art of photography did not change - only the film was swapped for a sensor.
Joy of Photography from Kodak
The Camera - Time-life Books

Image processing is a vital part of photography now as was the darkroom during film days. Start with Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop Elements - both very inexpensive but capable programs. Both have features that will give decent results for beginners. PSP has a Smart Photo Fix feature that will take a guess at what the image needs, and has sliders that allow you to interactively fine tune the image. When you outgrow it, there are the professional tools that you can migrate to.

To repeat, no one learns to play the piano of violin overnight. There are no shortcuts with either cameras or musical instruments. Give yourself time and lots of practice and realize that the learning will go on for the rest of your life. However, you will soon be reaping the rewards in pleasure and satisfaction.

Super mega Dittoes!!!! Amen, brother.
PS there are FREE lessons at www.olympususa.com and www.nyip.com

Ditto here. You may also want to consider photography books written by John Hedgecoe. A well-stocked bookseller should have several and that way you can browse throught them to see what level you are at and what book is best for you.

Frans Waterlander