well, basically, if you haven't even changed your oil in your lifetime, I'd avoid the pads. No mechanical experience is a scary thing when you are working on a part of the car that actually keeps you from careening off the road.

That being said, if you feel the urge, its not all that difficult. I do, however, suggest getting a Chilton's manual. Just so you know which bolts to remove and tips on compressing the caliper pistons. It really does take some knowledge of how things work. But the toughest part is getting that damned tensioner spring back on when you are done! I'm an experience mechanic and I still shoot myself in the eye on occasion with that thing!