Noob has question about using the notepad to acquire firing solution

[Bakkels]

My guess is that in realism options (the screen you get before your mission starts) you have 'manual aiming' unchecked. This makes the computer do all the calculations, and there is no need to be able to click range, AoB and speed. It's just point and shoot when the triangle in your periscope gets green. If I were you, I'd select 'manual aiming' before your mission starts.

You will get more renown (as you realism goes up by a hefty 10%) BUT it's still a piece of cake. You can now choose: You can let your Weapons Officer do the calculations (Just as easy as automatic aiming, you just have a little more clicking to do). But when you want to try manual aiming during your patrol you can now do that too (e.g. you can now click on speed, AoB, range). Great way too learn shooting torpedo's; if you're surrounded by ships and you gotta fire quickly, you let your Weapons Officer do the work, when you encounter a lone merchant, you might do it yourself.
For further instructions on manual aiming, check out the manual.

Oh, and if you're new to the game, I would definately install a mod (most people here play with GWX 3.0, can easily be found around here) and SH3 Commander. GWX makes the game twice as much fun and beautiful (I'm not exaggerating) and SH3 Commander is a very helpful tool for managing all kinds of stuff like crew, time compression and whatnot.

Also be sure to check out the stickied 'newbie' thread. Really helped me out in the beginning. Have fun!