I started playing hold em about 2001 (before moneymaker blow up)
we had always played the 7 card games (chicago, etc..) and my friend said lets try hold em.
it was fun, then after moneymaker obsession its all we played.
So i learned strictly from home games with FRIENDS (this is key, if you want to learn, play with friends, not a bunch of guys from work or something) especially if you are learning.
if you want to learn now it is tough - online is very weird (but i agree with the guys that say play MICRO stakes, might as well get a good feel for how the game works, etc...)
Online you get a lot of hands - but depending at what limits you are playing vs donkeys (no help) or you are way outclassed (no help plus you lose your money)
FLAT OUT if you want to LEARN go buy this book:
Winning Low Limit Hold-Em by Lee Jones
Goes over all the basics (not retard basics like what is a flop) - but things like check-raising, semi-bluffing with draws, etc....
buy this book
read it
play low limit online to learn
then for fun go play small limits at casino