Very BASIC help. Don't laugh.

I'm just now building up the courage to do some post processing.  I have downloaded PSE 10, Pacasa 3, Canon's DPP.  Which would be the best program to begin with?  Which of these 3 would be best to begin RAW with?

How do I save a file (picture) on which to work (PP) while saving the original picture (file)--keeping it in it's original form?  I need a step-by-step procedure on doing this.