I really recommend this site since it has video tutorials for 3ds Max and Maya.
If you are a completely newbie you should check out the section "3ds Max > Fundamentals". You get introduced to all the basic stuff of 3ds Max.
http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_home.php (http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_home.php)
(BTW you need FlashPlayer to play those video tutorials).
Please only post links to tutorials in this thread.