Undecided questions
I don't know where to start

chinese, the language that is formed through 5000 years, is one of the most difficult languages.
so ,for a foreigner there hasn't a simple and systematic way to learn it well.
but, if you know how we learn native language, maybe you get a good way to learn Chinese.
just from simple noun, simple conversation, more practice, don't too care the grammar of Chinese. and less learn how to write chinese words.

you can start it from 拼音（pin yin). it stand for the pronunciation of Chinese and it is easier to understand.

Start with pin yin.
Learn the numbers and how to introduce yourself.
Learn Chinese in phrases, not individual words.
Search online for chinese lessons or watch a kids Chinese television show ( no joke, since they are relatively easy to understand ).
Use an online dictionary ( Chinese to English ).

Chinese is not a kind of letter-language,for those people whose native language is made of letters, it's difficult to pronounce from it's writing. so you have to learn how to pronunce it by "pinyin",Besides this,maybe you can read some simple words with pictures,listen to it and follow it speak loundly,then go to some simple phrases and sentences ,if you have any question,sent me messages, I'd like help you

learn 410 syllables of pin-yin
then basic words
then phrases
and sentences

You can start with Pinyin which is the basis of Chinese, and then learn to write the radical