advice please

[Mr Ted]

I have got a compact camera in new year sales it is a samsung ES60/ES63 (ive looked at the CD that came with camera] (i coudnt afford SLR my sons lap top saw to that) i generally go only fishing in the day and often there is a passer by to take a picture- occasionally for self takes i stand the camera on fishing bucket. What i want to know is it easier for me to keep camera on automatic or is there a few manual camera features E.g ISO that i can have a play around, plus any other basic tips for better pics would be appreciated. I have read some basic digital photography books but still struggle

[fishlady]

first thing is read the manual that came with the camera, i have a Kodak and it has a manual setting on it (not that i know how to use it)and it has preset functions for snow, sun, fireworks, sports, ect