How do I... in 3ds Max

I've got some questions about some things to do in 3ds Max. Maybe you guys can help me a bit.
I'd really be grateful if someone could help me with question 1) for the beginning, the rest are not so necessary for the moment.

How do I:

1) Professionally make UI cards for non-infantry units (cavalry, elephants, siege) //in 3ds Max.

2) Create an unedited model to start modelling a new unit //in 3ds Max.
3) Add shields spears, helmet, mantle and other stuff to a 3ds Max character
4) How do I add/edit polys, vertexes... (stuff like this, you know), and how do I assign a texture to the model.

You can also reply with links to tutorials but let them be text (not downloadable) and specific for the question, if there are any. I'd be grateful for any kind of help, thanks a lot.