I can't even remember, it was so long ago. For me, it was probably along the same lines as what Rage said—through Highend's forums or a lucky web search. There wasn't a whole lot of maya-centric information back then....at least on the strictly newb level....some tutorials here and there. SM was the only site at the time filling that niche. DT and most everyone else came later.
"Terminat Bora Diem, Terminal Auctor opus."