Go to the main mapping forum and read the stickys there are one called one for new mappers and ect ect, go there read up on it first there are ones that show you step by step what to do.

this is so very true.

once you start mapping, it will seem very tedious and boring.  this is because you have to learn the basics to a fairly complicated program (hammer).  but once you get the hang of it you will be able to do more and more and then you will get hooked.  you will soon start losing track of time while being sucked into the mapping world of hammer.  don't worry about trying to get you first map done and getting it hosted.  you are a long way away from that right now.  most people uaually make more maps that dead end or that are just for trial purposes then ones that are finished products for actual gameplay. 

we are all here to get you through the worst part of mapping (learning).  we were all beginers just like you at one point in time and the only reason i stuck with it is because i had a few people helping me along the way looking over my maps and telling me how to make things work.  of course those people have moved on to other things and aren't around anymore, but i try to give back to new mappers as much as i can because i know that if new mappers don't get help, they usually give it up.  and we don't want that here.  no question is a stupid question because usually there are mulitple ways to do everything and you will soon figure that out.  good luck!

Geometry is just what we call the solid brushes you make because they are in several basic shapes - block, cylinder, wedge, arch, sphere, etc.

best part about hammer is you don't need an internet connection to use it.  if your isp goes down on you or the weather is bad again, you can still map even if you can't play.