You can tell a lot about someone's experience in a field by the questions they ask.
When somebody is obviously new to the topic, whatever it is, you can help...
just about any way except by answering the question as posed without further elaboration.
Helpful help is different, and it starts with questions instead of answers. Helpful interrogation would include:
What is it that you're trying to accomplish here?
Please describe the context in which this question came up.
Just remember, we're all new at the vast majority of things, so a little respect and patience go a long way.