i suggest you to download the " wenlin" software...you have there the stroke order, the pronounciation, a big dictionary...you can find it on internet and also you need to practice writting i am also learning chinese, and the best way for me is to actualy use them in phrases that express my personality, in this way i dont get bored by the memorization, and standard lessons: ni hao , ni hao ma...

you should try to remember those unlimitied amount of different characters. don't boring it. you should try to like it .the it very good remember.it's a best way . because you can't feel very tired.

Pratice makes Perfect. 多练字咯;)

That comes with practice. You need to force yourself to read sentences and short texts. Initially the brain doesnt want to konw but if you persevere you will see see results. Use flashcards especially for those radicals that has a meaning. Aim to learn 20-30 characters a week initially. write sentences down using the new characters so you have a context and have Chinese people correct them. Stroke order can be looked up in nearly every beginner's book. You need to learn the right order if you plan to write by hand.