Reply to mixers and controllers

i have been very interested in starting to learn to mix, and i want a basic mixer or controller with some effects and preferably some kills for a cheap price, but i want it to be a quality piece of gear . i would be mixing just straight from my computer through traktor.

i was just wanting to know what a good product would be to buy to get me started and not break the bank at the same time.

i was also wanting to know what the difference between a "standard" (i dont even know if that is the right word for it) and usb controller would be. as far as i know, i have 1 friend that is a newer dj and he uses a standard mixer which plugs into a box that has a usb that then connects to his computer. i didnt know if there would be any advantages to having a usb mixer or controller so you didnt have to have this extra step, or what.

please forgive my ignorance on the subject, but i guess this is where i needed to come to figure it out.

thanks.