If you're interested in becoming a private pilot, but don't know where to begin, check out Gleim Publications Aviation section. The page lists requirements for getting certified and conveniently offers their own
training materials.
The first three steps are:
1. You must be at least 17 years of age when you finish your training and
take your FAA practical (flight) test.
2. You must be able to read, speak, write, and converse fluently in English.
3. You must obtain a student pilot certificate and at least a third-class
FAA medical certificate.
Then it gets a bit harder. There are a lot of good pages on the site -
definitely worth the time for a beginner.