Reply to Where to start with production? (for the newbie)

Hey all!

I've been djing for a year now and want to take the step into production. I have the following:

Ableton 8
Bought myself a Vengeance sample pack
Audio 8 soundcard
Studio monitors

anything else I require to get up and running?

Now, since I'm a total beginner, how/where is the best place to get me going? I'm willing to put the work in.

Also, could someone explain what VSTs are? And could someone recommend a synth?

thanks for all your help