How do I start dating?

I am 17 year old nerd dude who loves his computer and smartphone like no other. I am a pretty normal dude with a small group of friends, we're about 7 people. However, one of my friends asked me if I had anything going with any girl, I said no and I said I haven't had that since 8th grade when I was 14.

However, I want to start dating, or meeting girls. I don't know how to start, though.

Any tips? I dress like a normal dude, and I have good hygiene, that is not a problem. I just need to talk to people, but I don't want it to be awkward. How do I not make it awkward?