We'll see how we can create better renders and how render times can be reduced by merely changing some factory settings, and also what prices we might have to pay for that optimization.

This is kind of a manual for new Blender user which I compiled up when I was learning Blender. First of all, when you're switching from Maya, you'll find the interface a bit alien. Blender has an option to behave like Maya, but in long run, that's not gonna be productive. So let's get started...