There's a reason it is a "point and shoot", you just point, then shoot.
What are you trying to accomplish as far as settings are concerned? I have a feeling that no matter what you are trying to do, there is a setting for it. As mentioned, read the manual on the way to the destination, passes time and helps you learn about your new camera, kills 2 birds with one stone.
If you are wanting CLOSE UP, like, in your face close up shots, read up about the MACRO function, should be the setting on the dial that looks like a flower. . .for a John Doe looking to set ALL the settings, just make it easy on yourself, and put it on Auto, on the dial it's clearly marked, it's the green camera.
When in doubt, and you don't want to "miss the shot", just turn the dial to that location.
You have a M, A, S, P, modes. . .read up on them. It's better for you to read up and explore as you go than read forum stuff on how to use something you have a booklet for.
