Hi I'm very new to the game but I played morrowind and oblivion. I seem to be having trouble understanding weapon and armor statistics. How can I see if a piece of armor is better for me or if a weapon is a greater improvement?

As a new player I had know idea what I was doing and seemed to get svcked into the main quest line. And before I new it I was dying every five seconds and struggling for health!
I decided that I should go back to mega town and speak to more peeps and now I'm happy to say I have a pet dog helping me around the waistlands of fallout.
It's a great game with amazing story's that svck me in. My girlfriend has a real hate for this game at the moment because I lose myself in it for more than 6 hours at a time lol.
Anyway I would love some help getting used to the game and understanding it a little better.
Oh and how do I put your gun away when your not using it lol.

If you highlight your apparel in the Pipboy you'll see it's weight (WG), value and damage reduction (DR) - it's the percentage of incoming damage that will be reduced. While you're in "items" menu, at the top of the screen there's another DR - it shows your overall DR (armor+perks+chems)

If you highlight a weapon you'll see it's DAM attribute. It's a compilation of damage/shot, fire rate, whatever. Doesn't really tell much about a weapon. If you want precise stats go check http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Portal:Fallout_3.

To holster a weapon press and hold the reload button.

Ah thanks mate that clears a lot up can't wait to get home and check out my gear.

Ok now my dogs disappeared and i have no idea how to get him back? Doh!

Wait a few days then go look around the vault.

I asked dogmeat to find me ammo when i was in town but he never went anywhere. Could that be were he has gone?