Huge noob looking to play D&D

Hey guys I'm really interested in playing D&D (or D&D type games, although noob friendly is a requirement). Have been for years. Like a lot of people I have always been put off by the cost of entry (which may be more perceived rather than required, never been entrirely sure) and just the lack of anybody experienced to help out. Like, I would have happily GM'd but i'd just be googling every 2 minutes to work out how to proceed. Was delighted when I found out about this site (through a youtube series) but after looking through a few available games (of which there are many) I really don't know where to start. Most people seem to want a D&D CV (even if their requirements say welcoming to new players) and really my CV isn't very impressive, I don't even know how to make a character. So really I'm asking for any tips on how to get started, reading materials (not too much, like... a page or two is fine but I'd rather learn by playing rather than reading an entire rule book) and if anybody has any offers for games to join where they won't mind having to occasionally hold my hand then that would be great.

Not sure what CV means. I've found there are quite a few campaigns and editions I wasn't aware of when I joined this site. It's actually very easy to make a character. I couldn't write essays or papers until my father told me to view them as a mathematical problem/equation. This leads to that, and that leads to another thing. Who are you? Race? Gender? Age? Who were your parents? Any siblings? What does your character do? (blacksmith, thief, fighter, etc.) How did he come to be that? Did your sister's thievery get you involved with the town guard? Did you pick up any of your father's alchemy practice? There's quite a bit you can do. It's just a matter of working it out with the DM within a game. You'll note that reading those books will also help you in making a character. You'll know what you can and can't do-at least according to the guidelines, the actual restrictions are entirely up to a DM-and that helps in making a character. Good DMs will help you make a character, so just describe what you want to accomplish with your character. DMs that are really good will give you a few options or methods and also give suggestions on what you can add or avoid with your character. So worry more about finding a good DM than anything else. A good DM can make any game interesting.

A lot depends on what version of D&D you are looking to play. I am thinking of starting a game soon, and new players are always welcome in my games, but I play the older version of the game, basically 1st or 2nd Ed. AD&D. Still trying to get a grip on Roll20 right now, but we could start something simple, just you and I, for starters if you want, then we could add players once we have some momentum. Sound like something you'd like to try?

Hey Johnny C! If  Pathfinder seems like it would fit your style, visit us tomorrow (Saturday Nov. 14tth) night at  The Color Animal Inn! Newbie friendly gaming with chat, fun, and free (virtual) beer. (I mean the beer is virtual, and it'll cost you virtually nothing!) -Phnord