New to CI2, need lots of help (including a code conversion from ZF)

[eluser]Unknown[/eluser]
First are there any CI2 specific tutorials? I'm really, really struggling. I'm new to frameworks (but not PHP) and I am really having a TOUGH time getting past the very very basics. I can't seem to figure out how to get all the pieces together...something like a system that lets you login, and then do basic stuff with a database... a form with dropdowns that are db driven would be nice and has validation would be nice. I dunno. I'm just so confused.

Regarding logins, I am currently using the Zend_Http_Client for a system and I absolutely NEED it to work for logging in users. I can't seem to figure out how to do the same functionality in CI2 - could someone help me? I need this in order to use CI2, and I want to learn and use it. I've been trying to wrap my head around CI2 for a few days and I feel like I'm still at square 1 and very frustrated. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Here is the ZF code i need help with:

Code:

require_once 'Zend/Loader.php';
            Zend_Loader::loadClass('Zend_Http_Client');
            $client = new Zend_Http_Client('https://www.myserver.com/rest/authContext?ttl=-1&realm=DefaultRealm&returnRawToken=true');
            $encUserPass=base64_encode($user.":".$pass);
            $client->setMethod(Zend_Http_Client::POST);
            $client->setHeaders('Authorization','Basic '.$encUserPass);
            $response = $client->request();
            
            
            if ($response->getStatus() == 200) {
                 //do good stuff
            }