Every year I promise myself that this will be the one that I give composting a go and every year I forget about it until it's too late in the season. But not this year!

Please help me with ideas on how a beginner can start composting. I know it would do my plants the world of good if I can get it right and I've heard that if you start on the right foot, it takes care of itself basically.

One concern I have is that it would smell too much. I want to make a relatively small compost heap so as not to offend my nostrils or my neighbor's! I'll be putting it in the furthest corner of my yard to keep it away from both our homes.Is there anything I can do to keep the smell down as well?

Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!