I guess that shows everyone how much I know...
Don't worry, John. Once you have a plane of your own, you'll gain knowledge very quickly. I started flying in 1995 and was a renter until 2001. During that time, I didn't know much about airplanes other than flying them. Once bought my plane (the same one I was renting) and joined the Club, I started picking up knowledge about planes and engines, although there's still a lot more to learn.