At first: * Start typing something by pressing i. * Exit Vim by pressing Esc then writing :q and pressing Enter * Save your file similarly but using :w myfile.txt Getting help: * :help :help - how to use help * :help :helpgrep - how to use the searchable help * Learn to use the :help. Know the difference between :help foo, :help 'foo and :help c_foo. * Try Ctrl-D completion on help topics * Refer to the Vimdoc website for HTML versions of the Vim docs and electronic copy of the Newriders Vimdoc. Also has lots of other howtos and useful documents. Other tips: