I started in HC and still am in HC, but its best to start in soft core unless u want to learn the hard way.
I lost lots of chars at the start like you, but it pays off.. i got 4 90+ char so far

Why do u need a fast comp and connection.
I got 56k with 700mhz duron 256 S-D ram

1337 newb
:noob:
doesn't this scare you?