Complete Newb in need of help

Hi guys, I am looking to buy my first car audio system for my 98 Monte Carlo.

I currently work at Circuit City, and since I get a discount I want to get everything from there.

But I don't know what a good brand is, what kind of things I need, and I just want to get alittle information so I can go in an ask the right questions to the guys who are going to help me

So far all I know is that I am going to need to have it specially installed simply because I have steering wheel controls, and I know I have to contact that insurance company after it is professionally installed in order to have it insured.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

can you get more specific about your goals, what you want, your budget...

and internet prices often beat what even audio shop have to pay. and fyi as far as the steering wheel controls are considered that mainly only has to do with the head unit.

So far all I know is that I am going to need to have it specially installed simply because I have steering wheel controls, and I know I have to contact that insurance company after it is professionally installed in order to have it insured.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The steering wheel control thing is done by an outboard box, nothing special. Some insurance companies will insure stereo stuff, others won't. In any case it will need to be permanently installed, not just a box an amp laying in the trunk/hatch.