The first thing you need to learn is the law.
You may need a FOID to fire a gun in your state and you will have to take a certified safety course. You should take a course regardless. Don't have "someone" show you the ropes. If you are going to own take a course on gun safety.
Second consider buying a .22 for your first rifle. Ammunition is much cheaper (pennies versus dollars). You'll also develop good shooting habits early on.
I would vote for a Ruger rifle.
See
http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...threadid=38743