[asterisk-users] newbie questions

[Tom Poe]

I have an Asterisknow.org CD.  When I boot up, it seems ready for me to 
choose update, console, etc.  I'm assuming I need to do something at the 
CLI prompt.  Is there a tutorial that would take me from loading CD to 
making first test call?

Computer is Dell Optiplex GX260
50GB free disk space
1.5GB RAM
P4 processor
external mic
speakers
Skype is on board, and would be good to use it, if possible. 

If I want to use Skype, do I need anything additional?  Would it be 
better to install CD on my hard drive?  Any help appreciated.
Tom