This is EXTREMELY helpful!!!! Thanks so much! Could you also explain aperture the same way? I know most of this is true experience but I have to admit I haven't been that proactive in getting out there and taking pictures.
Here are some pics I took on a trip when I first got the camera - all in automatic mode:
DSLR Shots - a set on Flickr
These were with my Nikon Coolpix point & shoot:
Point & Shoot - a set on Flickr