Some help please?

[Chris E]

Hi all, My name is Chris obviously, Ive only just got into all this and need LOTS of help, I've never looked at the stars before, Infact I don't even know what I'm looking at.

I'm obviously interested in a telescope, but have no idea which one to buy, what the termanology means , and where to look.

I probably have between £3-400 to spend, but I'm frightened of buying the wrong one.

Needs... I would like to see the stars in detail and would love to have pics like some of you guys have posted on here (particularly Saturn). I don't have a DSLR just a normal "samsung digital camera with 12.1 megapixels" (can these be attached to telescopes)

Terminology... What is meant by focal length of 35 inches, and focal ratio of F/8 ?? , I also dont understand the magnification side of things 100 x 59x etc etc ., and which is best, a refractor, or Reflector ??

If someone could post on here " you need this 8 inch daimeter lense, and magnifiaction of that, and focal ratio of this" this would be really appreciated, Please feel free to treat me like a 5 year old and explain the terminology as simple as possible,

Hope you can help

Chris................Ps, I would also like to see the ISS and Shuttle