Pointers for a Beginner?

I just started playing chess again this week.  I remember the moves from when I was younger, but I am still getting killed.  Does anyone have any pointers on how to start learning better strategies?  I can't even beat the computer on easy. Are there certain books that most people read?  Anything on this site?  Thanks in advance.

i liked "Weapons of Chess" (i think that's the title) by Bruce Pandolfini

a problem with a lot of the chess books is that they are very involved and you usually need to have a board and pieces in front of you.  that book is more of a general strategy book and can be read in a bed or on a train.

1. Your pieces are most valuable to you when they are on the board. Don't let your opponent take them without getting equal value in return. When you have a chance to take your opponents piece without give up anything in return, you should take it.

2. Your pieces are a team that likes to work together. Nobody gets it done on their own, use all your pieces. Don't just bring out one or two pieces and try to do damage, bring all your pieces to the action. (Even the queen cannot do it by herself.)

3. A few good pawn moves are enough to get your pawns in good places. What takes longer is to get all your minor pieces (bishops and knights) into active places, get castled, get your rooks connected and on open files (files go up and down the board, they are open if they have no pawns on them, half open if only an opponent pawn.) In the early stages, accomplish these goals rather than making a lot of pawn moves.

4. Learn basic tactical motifs such as forks, skewers, pins, etc. 

http://www.chesscafe.com/archives/archives.htm#Novice%20Nook

Check out the August 2002 article "An Improvement Plan"