There's viper-mode to emulate vi, but the first real roadblock is probably learning how to explain to the built-in help system what you're trying to figure out.

There's viper-mode to emulate vi, but the first real roadblock is probably learning how to explain to the built-in help system what you're trying to figure out. C-h t (that's Control-h, let go of control, t) will open up a thorough tutorial. Also, http://emacswiki.org http://emacswiki.org has a lot of info at all levels of expertise.