Hi Deelcee
First of all a very warm welcome to WAB. As Graham (Glsammy) has said there is plenty of information to hand on this site already and some excellent photographers on here too that are more than willing to offer practicable advice.
Regarding film over digital. My own opinion is that digital wins due to flexibility. You don't need film and there are no developing costs. As Cherrybee has stated you can practice as much as you like as there is no film to purchase, only a card. You can delete what you don't want and keep what you do. You can also see how any image looks immediately so you know if you have got the shot you want, something you can't do with film.
There are other dedicated photography sites that you can look at too that might offer help as well. Here are a couple.
Digital Camera Magazine Community - Forums World Photography Forum - Photography & Camera Discussion Forum
In the end the decision you make will be based on how you feel about your style of photography. One suggestion I could make is do you know anyone with a digital camera. If you do ask to go out with them so you can see at first hand how it works, plus you may be able to try it out yourself.
John