beginner gear and tips

Question
I've been climbing indoors for a few years now and am ready to venture out into the great outdoors.  I took a rock anchors class, but they throw a lot info at you.  Do you recommend any websites or books that could keep me fresh on this?  Also, I'm getting a rope soon, any websites that good rope/gear care tips?  Finally, any general tips for venturing beyond the controlled gym environment?
This is a fantastic site, by the way!

Answer
There are 3 books I recomend.  The first is considered by many to be the overall climbing bible and that's Mountaineers: Freedom of the Hills, I believe this will also answer some of your gear care questions.  The second and third are both written by John Long and they're Climbing Anchors and More Climbing Anchors.  These two are in the How to rock climb series.  You may want to explore some of the other titles it contains as well.  Most any climbing shop will have these and I know that Borders has them as well.  Though you may have to order them.

As far as gear care, I would suggest visiting some of the larger companies' web sites:  Black Diamond, Petzl, Sterling, etc.  As general rules, don't drop anything hard and don't leave anything soft out in the sun for extended periods of time.

I would suggest you find someone who has experience outside and ask if you can go climbing with them.  This way, you don't have to invest 1000's of dollars into gear right away and you can learn from their experiences.  I've found that it is rare to be turned down.  Climbers in general are quite social and welcoming to a new comer who shows enthusiasm.

Thanks for the question.  If I can be of more help, please let me know.

Nick