Digi Scrappin'... Is it the shizzle dizzle or what?

So, I'm beginning to hear (and see) a lot of stuff about digital scrapbooking. Is this awesome or what? I'm thinkin' that even I can do this! I'm not much of a paper scrapper cuz it's too much stuff laying around. Too much stuff for my 3 kids to get into. If it's all on my computer, it's safely tucked away where only I can get to it. So, I am looking for info from anyone who reads this on how to get started. Best software? Freebies? etc..? So, if you are a digi scrapper and want to help a girl out, give me a hollah!