<< I think that you are going to have a hard time finding a good computer opponent.  I remember hearing something a couple years ago that there was a million dollar reward for someone who could program a computer opponent that could beat the best go player. >>
  I realize that.  And it doesn't have to be good.  Just good enough so I can get hte basics of the game.
I have real people of varying skill levels I can play against once I understand how.