I remember a few years ago.. when Exchange 2003 was the high end solution for mail servers.. that the step-by-step deployment tutorials were pure gold…

But here we are in 2011, when Microsoft evolved… and they now offer the Step-By-Step deployment for Exchange 2010 in different scenarios:

1. ON-Premises Only Exchange 2010 Deployment
2. Coexistance ( On-Premises + Cloud ) Exchange 2010 Deployment
3. Cloud ( http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/gg475841.aspx ) Exchange 2010 Deployment

1. ON-Premises Only

Ugrade from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2010
Upgrade from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010
Upgrade from Exchange 2003 & 2007 to Exchange 2010
New Installation of Exchange 2010

After you select your scenario they give you the Step-By-Step deployment guide, including the prerequisite steps.

2. Coexistance ( On-Premises + Cloud )

Here you select the current enviorment and then they give you the Step-by-Step installation guide.

Have fun with this interactive tutorial by Microsoft:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/exdeploy2010/default.aspx 

If you encounter any problems feel free to comment / contact me, and I will help you.