Alienbees Strobe Question

I thought I was getting to know a little bit about flashes and then I saw the alienbees stuff. I was going to get a yongnuo yn560 and a shoot through umbrella with stand. I found some cheaper ones on amazon and while they got decent reviews, but I also read how they're cheaply made.

I have always heard alienbees makes good stuff (though I know nothing about the equipment.)

Is it possible to use the YN-560 with alienbees umbrellas and stands? Also, please, the strobes they use look totally different from a flash. how come? what kind of flashes are they? Like this: http://www.alienbees.c​om/b800.html That does not look like a flash in the "traditional" sense. Thanks.

The Alien Bees are monolights. They are generally referred to as studio strobes.
They are completely different than hot shoe flash units like the YN560. More powerful, require AC power, etc.
There are a lot of places to buy stands, umbrellas and adapters. Start with Calumet, Adorama, or B&H.

If you need light and portable with lower power, the the YN560 will probably suffice. If you need more power, less portability and fast recycle times, then a monolight like the AB800 is a better choice.

There is a lot of information here that will help you determine what is better for your interest.

Thanks. I am just trying to make sure that I get something of quality so I don't have to buy again and again. Only thing I know to do is check the reviews.