I absolutely agree the Couch to 5K program (
www.c25k.com) is the way to go. It's how I started running. I've now run a marathon, 6 15Ks, 1 10K, and several 5Ks.
Here's another good site with a 10 week plan:
http://www.fromcouchto5k.com/article...training-plan/
My suggestion is sign up for a 5K that leaves you enough time to complete the program. For instance, if the plan is 9 or 10 weeks, sign up for a 5K in your area shortly thereafter. Since most 5Ks are small, they are pretty forgiving and allow everything from serious runners to walkers. So, if you can't run the whole thing, that's ok. You can walk part of it. But you will have a great sense of pride and accomplishment when you do finish it.
Good luck and keep us posted!