The easiest way to crush grains at home is to place the grains into a large Ziplock-style freezer bag and crack the husks open with a rolling pin. Northern Brewer can also pre-crush your specialty grain mix, if desired. Turn the heat on high. While the water is heating, fill a sink with hot water and soak all containers of malt extract syrup. This will soften the malt syrup, and allow it to flow more easily.
Water is the main ingredient in beer.
Bad water will make bad beer. Commercial breweries normally choose to brew beer that goes well with their water. The Kit Inventory Sheet has a simple water recommendation for the style of beer you are brewing. If your kit recommends soft water, try distilled or reverse-osmosis water. Otherwise, use whatever drinking water is convenient.