Sorry- very newbie questions


hi all

i have tried searching here (and googling in general) haven't yet found answers looking for.
is there 'getting started' guide little more in-depth 1 on site ( http://arduino.cc/en/guide/homepage )?  perhaps me.

here's situation- i'm super-cheap. 



... ok there's little more it:

-i have purchased several shields radio shack on clearance (a touch-screen shield , camera shield.  have previous 'shack clearance sale; dmx shield , motor shield).  have started backwards guess, since bought shields before microcontroller board.

-i believe these shields compatible arduino uno , mega, don't know these names mean, leading me first question:
1) there page shows matrix of differences between of arduinos (of understand there lot)?  guess i'd start understanding offerings arduino, , not other versions yet nanode, teensy,  , sanguino).

-i guess should buy mega can started, there seem different options of that, well; numbers see listed "mega" change.  seem 2560, "8u2" , "16au", "16u2", "328p" or "ch340b"...
question 2) these reference processor on board?  shields bought compatible mega?  of these numbers mean?!

-question 3) listings "r3".  revision 3?  mean? have never seen r1 or r2, old? matter?

-i looking buy clone 1/2 1/4 price of 'real' arduino; understand there risks inherent buying knock-offs china.  question 4) what's way make sure getting board work shields i've got?  seems there many physical form factors (mini, micro, etc) , if stick standard-sized mega should ok (right?).

-question 5) arduinos have usb port?  need level-shifting of sort?  i'd prefer not having build (yet another) usb-to-serial cable if can it.

if helps, have prior experience other microcontrollers, used basic stamp family while, , pic micros.  means know how stupid sound above questions, guess little frustrated trying started , not understanding arduino family @ or knowing start.

using windows development environment, unless there's pressing reason use linux.

thank links or information can provide.

all boards described here , there's link comparison matrix near top of page.


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