and finally ....

Wings3D is excellent for starting off with. TruesSpace 7.6 is free and you can use it on college networks (they need to know a few things though) but the interface is "interesting" to say the least. You will require sun glasses.

I can do fairly basic stuff with Blender but Wings3D is definately the place to start. It is so easy yet powerful. There's no animation, which is a pity.

Daz3D is free because they want you to buy their models. It come with a naked women who gradually gets clothed in pants and a sports bra - ready to play volleyball. My wife walked in as I was looking at it and it took some explaining ......