Hi,
Also if you want to get more technical knowledge look on the 'Wiki' link at the bottom of this page.
I am told that Shader X by wolfgang Engel is a good reference book, although if you buy it new it will cost £50 (don't know what this is in euro's) Buying 2nd hand would be a better option.
Also ATI's Renerder Monkey software seem's to be popular but not for beginers like us......
Good luck