HELP NEWBE/INSTALL 8i AT HOME TNS 12560 ERROR PLS HELP !!!!!!

I'm running a dual boot NT service pack 4 and W98 @home.
Using system commander 2000 for the dual boot controller.
No problems here and have reinstalled NT many times due to no fear of messing up my PC/ having driver problems
with my video and modem/will solve latter. My real concern is Oracle problem in both NT and W98
(also have ora 7 in W98 from the Oracle for dummies book) I loaded 8i 2 or 3x in both, got the software from
Oracle TCN am getting the
"ORA 12560" protocol adapter error.
I have viewed the listener files via the explorer in both/ have no idea what I'm looking at or for. Went to DOS prompt
through windows 98 C:\WINDOWS>lstnr(something?)
typed in the listener code to see is listener is started
"bad command or file" error. I really need your HELP!!!
very desperate Trying to learn Oracle and am in class ATT (at this time) in a community collage near by.
How do I start trace program and where do I find it?
How do I change my Listener files? Via the explorer just type in the changed item and hit ENTER? Where can I go for more detailed info on this problem?
How do I get the pure "C:" with out the word "WINDOWS"
there?