Telnet tales

My first task - downloading and using telnet - even this I find daunting. I think its just the language - plenty of acronyms and jargon. If ever simple plain English was needed this is it! Its an exclusive environment this one, requiring not only the necessary hardware, but also just IT nouse. Perhaps some are born with it. But if I can understand this anyone can. Now to figure out my client ... thank goodness for http://computer.howstuffworks.com !!