Noob looking for a game & advice

[arclight]

Hi sorry about my noobness, but I have looked at the site for instructions and come-up with none(?). I do not understand
a) how to get on a ladder
b) how the process of having a game works - is it all PBEM?

I have a copy of World in Flames -
c) does this mean I cannot play with people with the new version of the game?

I'd be very grateful for a 'noddy's outing' to how to start playing.
Thanks