Mike,
I never thought I read about you picking up an electric guitar, and a Fender at that!
I would have imagined you getting a Yamaha guitar!
Anyhow ...
Have you ever heard of a guitar cable with a built-in analog to digital convertor and USB plug?
+++ HERE's +++ one to check out. Great for playing into a laptop while using amp sims and effects. It uses USB drivers built-into Windows.
Also, who better to learn how to properly set up a guitar from than Joe Walsh?
+++ THIS +++ is likely one of the more entertaining, yet instructive, video series you'll see. Six segments with each segment about three minutes in length.