On the top of the iPad is the On/Off button. You must hold the button down for a few seconds to turn on or off. The microphone and headphone jack are on the top as well.
On the right side of the iPad are the volume control and screen rotation lock keys. If the screen rotation button is not activated, the screen rotates depending on how the device is being held. (This may be both helpful or detrimental depending on the task being performed.)
On the bottom of the iPad is the dock connector and the speaker. The dock connector is used to recharge the battery, by using the USB cable, and connecting it to the power adaptor. It is also used to sync the iPad to the iTunes account on your PC or Mac, in order to download apps, music, movies, etc.
At the bottom of the screen is a small, round, soft indentation in the screen. This is the "Home" button. To get back to the main page from any application or setting on the iPad, at any time, press the home button.
There are several basic functional apps that come on the iPad - calendar, maps, photos, safari, etc. Some of these are pretty self explanatory and will be easily understood upon opening. Here is an explaination of Safari (the app to use for Internet browsing):
Safari is the app which connects you to the internet. Touching the Safari icon will take you to a search screen. By touching the search box, you will bring up a virtual keyboard which you use to type your search request. In place of the key on your computer keyboard that says "Enter", a key appears which says "Search". This will launch your internet search. Like your PC, you are able to have a number of windows open at the same time. Near the top left of the main screen is a tiny box which contains a number. This number corresponds with the number of windows open at the same time. To see a thumbnail of each open window, press the small number. To closeout any of the open windows, press the "x" inside the circle.
Tapping on the iPad can open or close an application, while a double tap can make you zoom in or out.
Flicking your finger on the screen lets you turn pages or scroll through lists.
Spreading your fingers apart over an image on the screen will bring the image in closer, or enlarge it.
Pinching your fingers together will bring it back to the original size.
Sliding or dragging your finger on the screen can move apps to a more convenient spot.