This is my first digital camera (I usually use old-school film camera, namely the Kodak sports film). My dad got it for me for my birthday, and man, I'm loving it.

Mind, I have no idea how good it is; frankly, I don't much care. Unless my college requires me to take a photography course that needs a different camera, I'm happy with this one.

I need a memory card--an SD, I think? Anyone know what kinds of cards I need to look for? I live in the USA, in the Midwest, if that helps; I'm positive Best Buy has what I need, whatever that might be.

Any advice on how to use it to best performance? What memory card thing I need? Where to find carrying pouches for it?

I would assume you would need an SD. Any of the current point and shoot cameras use them. If your computer doesn't have a slot for SD, you will have to get a card reader as well.

card reader SD Cards

You probably don't need anything bigger then 2GBs yet. I've been able to take over 500 pictures with my 2GB card (in jpeg format).