One of the most critical mistakes beginner photographers make is using the 'Auto' modes on their cameras. While this is fine for simple snapshots, actual photography requires much more.

AND, Whether you have a point-and-shoot camera or a digital SLR, mode settings between the two are pretty similar.

Understanding these mode settings and how they work is one of the fundamentals of photography. You will never be able to take your shots to the next level unless you understand these settings.