I asked the same question a while back and someone suggested the Cannon 720i as an all around camera. It takes 8 MP pics and has various auto controls and also many manual features. I recommend it unless you are looking for a fancy DSLR camera.
I like nikon I'm a noob myself though, the Canon XTi's are nice little things I had one but had to sell it to buy christmas prestents last year. I hear really good things about the Nikon D40x and you can pick up one of those fairly cheap. Just don't ask me how to take nice pictures of fishys though, I'm still working that part out. :p