Swimming Newcomer Saying Hello!

Hey guys. It's in the first few hours of 2009 right now, and I've resolved to join a gym and incorporate several weekly swimming workouts into my fitness regime. I bet no one has ever made that resolution before, right? I thought I would say hello to what seems like a great, knowledgeable, and supportive swimming community. I have zero experience, myself. I know how to swim if by "knowing how to swim" means "not drowning." But after I've immersed myself in reading a few hours worth of threads to get my toes wet, so to speak, in the world of swimming, I realize how much I don't know. Like technique, form, etc. It's almost overwhelming. Personally, I'm a male in my mid-20's, finishing up a graduate-type degree. I have a BMI around 23, and am in reasonable shape from half a year of playing tennis three times weekly. I decided that a local YMCA is probably the best bet for me. I have no desire to swim competitively (yet), only to swim for fitness. So, a few questions: I'm purchasing a pair of swim goggles definitely. But is it necessary to purchase a Speedo swim suit? When I join a new sport, I like to do things right. I only have board shorts (quite long ones at that). Do many male swimmers wear speedos at pools like the YMCA? It would feel kind of ridiculous to swim in all the fabric of my board shorts, but I don't want to be the only guy in spandex. Also, in terms of pool schedules, do you have to personally sign up for a lap lane or can you just hop in a dedicated lap lane when it's available on the schedule? What's a good resource for beginning my swimming experience? Thanks, and I'm glad to join this community!