Astronomy newbies should check out the Beginners Guide To Astronomy at Learn Astronomy HQ:

This guide covers how to get started cheaply in astronomy and then progresses to a guide to telescopes and what to consider when buying a telescope. Once you have your equipment the guide covers setting up a telescope, what to start out observing, how to develop your knowledge of the night sky and provides a list of uk astronomy equipment to begin expanding your range and skills.