Fractal Explorer is a GREAT program for beginners, because it's loaded with lots of formulas and is very easy to use. Unfortunately you can't do layers there. Still, it's a great learning tool, and it's FREE.

http://www.eclectasy.com/Fractal-Explorer/

There's also a user group that's great.

That's where I started. Apophysis 2 IS a wonderful program, and now that there are tutorials that helps as well.

The Apophysis link is

http://www.apophysis.org/

It's another free-ware program. You can download Version 1 there, but to get the Version 2 beta you have to join the mailing list, also listed on the same page, near the bottom.

Good luck and enjoy!! Just be warned, fractaling is ADDICTIVE!! ^_^