How to ease into W40k.

[[GoDhAND]:.]

So, I haven't really played Warhammer 40k and I've been wanting to know how to get into it... what are some general noob guidelines? what's the easiest class? etc.?

[dudronia]

Sorry man, I've been busy with school lately and haven't had a chance to jump on here. Are you talking about the table-top game? I'm assuming you are, but the fact you said "class" sort of confuses me. If you are talking about the tabletop game then your best bet is to find someone else that interested in playing and pick up the starter kit. I recommend this because you'll need 2 people to play, plus you can split the cost of the kit. I recommend using the games-workshop store finder to search for places around you that carry 40K stuff.
www.games-workshop.com/gws/storelocator/search.jsp
Also, it may be possible to meet people in-store that are interested in playing, and it can go from there.

If you're talking about the rpg, there really isn't a good "noob" class really. In Dark Heresy it's kind of assumed that you're going to die at some point, just like if you've ever played a Cthulhu rpg it's assumed you're going to go crazy at some point. That being said, for your first couple of games, just pick different classes each time yours dies and get a feel for everything. Obviously playing an assassin who's focus is on sneaking and lock-picking will play much differently than a guardsman who's trying to become a sniper. I just urge you to pick a class and roll with it. If the character dies, you can always use it as an opportunity to try something new.

[[GoDhAND]:.]

Alright man, thank you. I appreciate it. Is there only one starter kit or are there several (I'm guessing there are multiple versions or editions of 40K) and if so, which one do you recommend?

[dudronia]

There's only one starter kit at this time, and GW has been known to put out new ones every couple of years. The current one is called Assault on Black Reach, found here.
www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat550004a&prodId=prod1570027
It's probably the best way to learn the ins and outs of warhammer, but if you don't want a Space Marine or Ork army it sort of sucks.