Kevin and John -
Don't forget that Max also comes with a lot of tutorial files, many of which go along with the training materials on the Area. You can work through the tutorials in Max as you view them - one of the best ways to learn such a complex piece of software.
You'll find the tutorials for Max 2013 here:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?id=18995103&siteID=123112&linkID=...
If you have earlier versions, the links are below on the same page.
Joe Bourke
Owner/Creative Director
Bourke Media
http://www.bourkemedia.com