Newb w/Nikon...

[B Rod]

Are the D3000s basically the new version of the D40/D60?

[RD408]

Yup. And like Chino said, try shooting in the day first to learn a bit.

[NikonJonWtf]

Practice, practice, practice. I just got my first dslr last summer.
They are definitely fun to mess around with! Just get used to the kit lens first before you go crazy.
Use manual mode also and mess with settings so you learn
And yes a tripod!