What’s a good way to get started playing Warhammer 40k?

I bought a box of Imperial Guard (29 Cadian infantry, 1 Command Squad, 1 Sentinel, 3 Heavy Weapons Teams) and a Demolisher with pieces to kit it out as a Executioner or Punisher and 1 Lord Commissar. I’m still trying to decide on a color scheme for them. I also printed out the IG Codex because I lack the requisition needed to purchase a fancy book. Now I want to actually learn how to play the game itself. Where’s a good place to find out how? (websites, videos, forums, anything is appreciated.) I’d also like some advice on how to paint them when I finally get around to it. I’m thinking of a style close to “box art Cadian” with a little more camo.
Sidenote: I live in Ukraine, so while there is a Psuedo-Games Workshop, the people there don’t speak quite enough english to show me the ropes, so that option’s out.

Well since you say that games workshop is out, you can learn basics on forums like 40kforums.com (and far more advanced stuff, there are some really helpful people there), also you may want to acquire yourself a rulebook.

When going about painting them you will want to give them an undercoat in black and gradually work your way to your final color. For the imperial insignia’s you may want to make stencils of whatever cadian or mock-cadian force you are making to make the uniform insignia’s easier and well uniform.

Also I found a painting imperial guard tutorial at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t03z-eeodnA

I suggest looking at the imperial guard and painting forums and asking questions and for advice.

Good luck in your new hobby.

WARBOSS’ PAINTING TABLE: Finished Catachan Squad

	Warhammer 40K DPS painted Imperial Guard Cadian Heavy Weapon Squad IG005 $104.00

	GW 40k IG Cadian Heavy Weapons Team SW $13.49

	GW 40k IG Loose Mini Cadian Heavy Weapons Team MINT $9.95

	*WARHAMMER 40K BITS IG CADIAN HEAVY WEAPON 3 60mm ROUND $7.00

	40K IG Cadian HW Heavy Bolter Bits 3 Bitz S $2.25

	*WARHAMMER 40K BITS IG CADIAN HEAVY WEAPON – 3x MORTAR $1.50

	40K IG Cadian Command Heavy Flamer Bits 1 Bitz S $1.25

	40K IG Cadian HW Heavy Bolter Bits 1 Bitz S $1.25

	Warhammer 40K Imperial Guard Baneblade $74.25 You get one plastic Baneblade Super-Heavy Tank. It also comes with the normal upgrade sprues to deck it out. Miniatures come unpainted and unassembled in their original packaging. Books are in brand new condition….

Imperial Guard Shadowsword Stormlord Warhammer 40k $75.74 This box set contains one large multi-part plastic super-heavy tank. Included are all the components need to assemble one of six super-heavy variants: the Shadowlord, the Stormlord, the Doomhammer, the Banesword, the Banehammer, or the Stormsword. Miniatures come unpainted and unassembled in their original packaging. Books are in brand new condition….