Good multiplayer FPS for a beginner to start out with?

So I've gotten back into PC gaming in the past couple months for the first time in years (aside from playing some MMO's on my old laptops). I'd like to get into playing FPS games online but the skill level of PC gamers in these games is scaring me off. I haven't played FPS games much since the late 90's, and I never played them much multiplayer on console. Are there any suggestions for a good FPS or two that isn't horrible for a newbie? I don't mind losing at first, but I also don't want to go into a game like CS 1.6 that is damn near impossible for a new player to break into.

Are any of the recent CoD games (CoD4, MW2, Black Ops etc..) more newbie friendly? I've looking at BF3 but it looks pretty overwhelming right now.

Thanks!

None of them are. There are no good communities. The best advice I can give is put on your chum pants and jump in the shark tank, it's the only way to learn. TF2 might be a good place to start, all roles aren't focused purely on shooter skills.

Just try Teamfortress 2 it's free now. You can start off by playing as Medic and spectating people so you can see how to play each class. If you play Soldier for example aim in front of peoples feet to hit with rockets.

You'll do fine in BF3.8-Bitterness

Doubtful.

Jumping into a game like BF3 with the very limited skills the OP has is a recipe for an all-out bloodbath.

It could still be fun for him, but if his goal is to kill more often than get killed, he could be in for a very miserable time until he develops the necessary skills to actually compete in these types of games.

Team Fortress 2 is, to my mind, one of the best multiplayer FPS games for any player. It's also free to play now, which really makes it a no-brainer to at least check out.

If you play it and don't care for it, come back and tell us why - that will help us narrow down a more niche title based on your preferences.