The best reference for new brewers (actually for experienced brewers too) is "How To Brew" by John Palmer. If you can't brew a decent beer after reading that book, you had better get a different hobby.

You can read the online version for free at
www.howtobrew.com .
You can also get some good advice here on this forum. Another online forum you should check out is the discussion area on
www.hbd.org (Home Brewers Digest). You should also check out the rec.crafts.brewing newsgroup. The rcb newsgroup is where I learned most of my brewing during my first year or so of brewing. A bunch of very knowledgeable and friendly folks there.
Welcome to The Brewing Network! Hope you stick around for the show tonight. Chris White from White Labs will be talking about yeast. Also, be sure you get on to the online chat room that goes on at the same time as the program. At least half the program takes place in the chat room. At times it is like two separate programs going on at the same time. It is also the best way to ask questions of the brewcasters and guests. If you want to throw insults at Justin about the way he treats Daniella, you are more than welcome. We do it all the time>
Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company