I've noticed a lot of beginners and average players seem to have problems with the opening strategy.  Try my "One-Size-Fits-Most" (OSFM) strategy for white. It will definitely help your game:

http://blog.chess.com/CaptGeorge/surviving-the-opening-as-white

I find this will useful for beginners. However, I think it would be more useful for a beginner to attempt to encounter a new opening how he/she sees fit and then learning a more appropriate way to approach said opening. In this way, the individual will learn from practical experience.

zkman,

Thanks for your comment.  I agree with your individual learning approach to openings.  However, my OSFM approach is an effort to give beginners and intermediate players some ideas about opening strategy without a lot of study on the individual defences used by black.

George

I completely agree to give a basis from which you can play the first few moves and get a reasonable position. I really find this useful for beginners.

-Zach