Chess programs for beginners?

Hello, I'm new at this and I am looking for a nice program for beginners. I downloaded Scid vs. PC after a recommendation in this forum but I find the UI not beginner-friendly, and it doesn't really have the features I'm looking for.

I would like if it were a simple program (No need for Ches Super A.I. 9001 ELO), I'm more looking for game advice/basic analysis using the PGNs we can download here, for example:

"You placed your knight here, it is protecting this pawn which is protected by 2 other pieces. However, this other pawn has no protection and it is under a rook's line of fire"

The above would preferably be in colors or arrows, for easy of understanding.

Does such thing exist?

Thanks.

Unfortunately, one of the main problems with engines is that they *DON'T* explain their moves - in order for an engine analysis to work properly, you need a human touch to explain what the computer is trying to do (and sometimes you simply won't know). Sometimes it's obvious - the computer is preventing a tactic or exploiting a weakness - but many time's it's very subtle. The thing about positional play (which is really what you're asking about - since tactics don't need explanation) is that it just takes a lot of practice to understand. You have to learn by trial and error when a knight is better than a bishop, how to create beneficial pawn majorities, and what square your queen belongs on. 

I think you want a human coach, not a computer program. 

If you are looking to get started with basic strategy, purchase My System by Aaron Nimzowitch immediately. At first, scan the major topics then read through at least some of each chapter. This will teach you about control of the center, open files, strong points, pawn structures etc. Then you'll be able to study games and know what to look for. There's a lot of strategy books, but this one details the basic elements of positional strategy.

I personally prefer 'Soviet Chess Primer' to 'My System' - a lot of the same concepts are in there, but Soviet Chess Primer covers endgame strategy, methods of calculation, and a lot of other things that aren't even touched in the Nimzowisch classic. 'My System' is recommended everywhere by everyone, so I was really thrilled to get my copy, but, honestly, I don't think it helped me nearly as much as the old Soviet classics. 

The only software that comes close to your description is Chessmaster. It has been discontinued. There may be some used copies available if you look around.

Soviet Chess Primer, I'm gonna have to check that out, thanks!

Chessmaster! I haven't heard that name in a long time. In like 1992 I learned how to play with that program - it taught me en passant, descriptive notation, and how to throw a mouse across the room when I lose :)

Save the mice! Keep a sponge ball on the desk.

You can still find copy's of CM around for about 10 dollars. Try Amazon.com.

What kind of a platform are you using?

Here's an older post that still my be good!

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/best-5-free-chess-software

I believe that Ziryab is right. I don't know of any free software that does what you want to do. Chessmaster is the only thing that comes close, and yes, you'd have to buy it on the used market.

That's the most useful advice I've ever found here. Could save me a fortune.

Thank you guys! I think I will look out for Soviet Chess Primer