Lighting help.. alien bee users!!

Questions....You all talked me out of the cheap lights so here go's..

1) I have enough money for the "Beginning Bee" package (finally). It is their 800 effective watt strobe. Is this enough with the 48 inch umbrella to start doing portraits(at least of my kids)? Walmart uses one strobe and umbrella and they do OK...

2) Do I need to get a light meter or can I figure it out without one? If yes can you recommend a cheap one to get me started!!

3) Is there any good info that anyone knows of about studio lighting online that I can read up on while I wait for it to ship (If the answer to question 1 is Yes)

4) do I need anything else other than the kit to start shooting (does the cord/adapter for the hot shoe come with it)? Do I need to worry about the trigger voltage of these lights hurting my DRebel?

I am truely ignorant to this subject and will take all the advice I can get!!

Thanks!!!!

For professional looking photos with a single strobe, I would have to assume that a reflector would be a necessity.

FlipsidE

Here is an awesome link for one light studio setup.

http://www.ephotozine.​com …ewtechnique.cfm​?recid=195

Just make sure you read it all the way through

Answers to your Questions,
1) Yes, but I would invest into a reflector or foamcore board white.
2) I prefer to use a light meter the Sekonic 358 is a great way to get
started
3) I'm sure there is plenty online info but where I do not know. Go to a
bookstore and pickup a good book on lighting. Something that has
the different patterns and diagrams on setups. This will help you
overall in learning lighting. If you don't you could save your $$ and
go to Walmart.
4) I'm not sure about the Drebel but I believe you need a safe sync adapter it cost around $50.00. Take your time and find a book in the bookstore it will save time money & frustration.

Good Luck