Hello John.
Welcome to this great place known as BC.
Think as you progress, as BJ has said, you'll discover that the plectrum gives a completely different sound to fingering, but by all means, start with the Plectrum first if you find it easier. Plus there are many free resources on-line as Bass tutorials, but it's a case of searching for the stuff to suit your basic needs.
Main thing is to take it slowly (there's no race) and listen to and practice different songs as much as you can, but importantly and above all is to enjoy it and have fun.
There are loads of really friendly and knowledgable folks here, so if you get hung up on anything that you need help with, just post up in the General Discussion forum and someone is sure to get back to you.
Hope you enjoy it here.
Allie.