So much misinformation in this thread...

Mountain pedals are my recomendation for new cyclists who are trying to ride seriously. Once acclimated to they are easier and safer to get in an out of than clips and straps (and i say this as a die hard clip/strap user for many years, and have gotten in some flame wars on the topic that I now am mildly embarrassed about). The float varies from pedal to pedal,, and cleat to cleat. For example the times offer up to 17 degrees of float depending on which cleat you put on which foot. Crank brothers also offer an asymetrical cleat for variable float. With road pedals you get a stiffer sole, a bigger platform and a more even distribution of force upon your foot thusly leading to less of a hot spot while riding. Most pedal manufacturers offer cleats that can vary the amount of float (ie look offers 0, 4.5, and 9 deg, between 4-7 is what I prefer myself). Almost every pedal has adjustable spring tension as well, so you may wish to dial them back to the easiest setting when you start out for easier in an out and dial them back up as you get more confident.

Cleat placement for getting started is not too hard. Loosely install the cleats (i generally recommend the back position if you are using mountain). There is one protrusion on each side of your foot, one behind your big toe, one behind your little toe. Feel those out and mark them on the sole of the shoe. Center the cleats between them. I generally err on moving them towards the outside of the shoe for a narrower Q but thats my personal preference. For most people this will get you 90% of the way towards where you need to be and the rest you should be able to dial in by listening to your body and making minor adjustments. If you ever feel like you are clawing at the pedals with your toes, move them back. It is a hold over from being monkeys hanging on to tree branches with our feet, and it is your foot trying to balance and secure itself around the pedal spindle.

For what its worth I prefer Time Atacs for mtn pedals, and Look Keos (particularly the new keo2max for their wider platform) for road.

For me, clips and straps are long outdated for any sort of serious or hard riding. Not that it can't be done, just that there's better options out there and progress marches on. There is a time and place for historical accuracy and time period correctness, and there are times where it is best to chose the right tool for the job.