I have worked through SICP, and strongly recommend not using a computer for any of the exercises, at least until the large scale projects in the later chapters.

I have worked through SICP, and strongly recommend not using a computer for any of the exercises, at least until the large scale projects in the later chapters. This would be the perfect recommendation for someone who only has pencil and paper. However it is a bit intimidating if not impossible for a true newcomer without access to external resources and help. But with enough time and effort...