Best Place to Begin Playing?

[LuckyStrike]

Hey everyone, I'm new to poker and was wondering what the best place for a new player to start off is. I'm going to buy and read Winning Low Limit Hold 'Em and then start off with $50 and play micro limits and work my way up. I've heard Party Poker has the softest games but I've heard troubling things about their software and support. Conversely, Poker Stars seems to have great support but tough games. What do you people recommend I do? Thanks for any input.