Acoustic Amplification for Beginners?!?!?!

[Blue in VT]

Howdy all,

Thanks to another member I will soon be putting a K&K mini into my guitar so I'm slowly easing my way into the world of amplified acoustics. Up to this point I've been only Acoustic. So I'm a bit confused about Pre amps...amps...and the features and things I should be looking for. Can anyone point me towards a resource for folks like me who are just getting into this realm? I'm not looking for super sophisticated stuff....I just want to play open mics and be able to record instrumentals...and maybe someday so vocals as well.

Thanks

Blue