[header] How to get started with arduino [title] Learn some basic electronic principles before purchasing the actual board. [substeps] These include ohm's law, breadboard basics, reading resistors and the use of electronic components such as leds, piezos, transistors and switches. This information is easily available on youtube and the internet. 
A series of tutorials by jeremy blum on youtube provide ample information on both the arduino and electronics basics. [title] Find out about different arduino boards.