I really encourage you guys to get your ham license. It will open a whole new world of communications for you. The Baofengs will get the job done but you get what you pay for, there is all kinds of quality gear for a little more money, there are digital mode handheld radios that can let you talk around the world through the right repeater, and there are many. I have made a lot of great friends since joining the ham hobby, and I suspect that anyone who is capable enough to use the computer and participate on this forum is smart enough to pass the test. Like others have said start with online practice test, just google it, there are even smartphone test apps, and there are apps that show all the repeaters near you once you get licensed. I would be more than happy to help anyone who wants to get their license, just shoot me a message with any questions you have.
Bart
N1UB