Question What programs do you recommend for beginners?

Program to accomplish what task?

Are you a reasonably competent typist?

Do you have a serious interest in any particular subject.......Italian cooking, Chevrolets, canasta, the history of the electric guitar?

If you do, I'd probably follow that interest and concentrate on whatever programs facilitate that pursuit.....otherwise, you might become bored or discouraged.

Do you have access to a local junior college where you might take classes purely for enjoyment rather than career-building?