computer software types and uses

They're just engines of slightly different strengths. The Fritz 8 engine should be the strongest, although Crafty might be close.

Fritz 8 as a learning tool? I doubt if it's going to be real helpful there, although it does have some opening and endgame training features (Tools, training). In general, chess programs don't make very good learning tools. (The Chessmaster tutorials for beginners and novices would be one exception to that rule.)

I'm a book kinda guy, not a DVD guy, so I can't really help you there.

You might try going to Dan Heisman's web site to visit his Novice Nook columns. There's probably more info there than you'd ever be able to read, ranging from beginner to advanced intermediate.

Dan's main page:  http://home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Main_Chess/chess.htm

Dan's Novice Nook page:  http://home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Articles/Novice_Nook_Links.htm

I honestly recommend that you stay away from chess engines at the start of your chess journey.

Using chess engines to improve your play is a bit like watching pro tennis on TV to work on your serve 

You'll find some good use for them a bit later in your chess development...

Have a look at this thread, and judge for yourself if the OP (who's not a beginner) benefits from his chess engine "help"...

One area where practicing with an engine can really be useful even at beginner level is playing out simple theoretical endgames such as mating a lone king with a king and a queen or a king and a rook. You have to do that a few times to really get the hang of it and few human training partners will be willing to play the defending side over and over again. Once you're a bit more advanced you can play out non-theoretical endings where you have to convert a substantial advantage instead.

PS: I *STILL* screw up King and Queen vs. King and Knight every now and then...

Agreed.

I use the engine only as an analytical tool following a game.  Often I only have time to review my losses.  Other than that, playing here is great practice, and you won't find many cheaters at our level.

One outrageously large source of videos is on YouTube, but don't rely on videos for serious learning.  I use them as a diversion from serious book work.  But here are some group suggestions from YouTube.  You'll have to register but it's free, and then you can locate the groups easily:

Bobby Fischer (this is Aww-Rats from here on Chess.com - hundreds of games analyzed)

STLChessclub (some GM analysis of games for the St. Louis Chess Club audience)

kingscrusher

Videos are not inherently inferior to books for presenting material.  It is all about how you choose to use the material.  If you watch videos without engaging your brain but you read books with brain fully engaged, that is not the video's fault.