Why dont you just download Arena (its free), load any engine, and then adapt the difficulty level to what feels right for your own skill level? Keep it simple for a start.
https://www.playwitharena.de/
If you want to socially interact online, use Facebook or this forum or whatever. If you want to play chess, it doe snot matter whether it is man or computer as long as the way it is done in meets your needs. The challenge lies in chess itself, not in the nature of your opponent. One could say your opponent'S identity is irrelavant - the position on the board stays the same.
