Hello markymark1 and welcome to flyertalk, this is a very addictive hobby for me. My suggestion as to which program to join is based on where you live and where you travel mostly. See what carriers serve your local home airport and the places you like to go. Once you see, join and start flying on 2010. I would've say now, but it will take several flights, time and a bit of expense from your part. AA and UA are having double miles bonus until 12/15, so you could achieve elite status with half the miles. If these are the carriers you might choose and decide to start flying this year to achieve status NOW, I also suggest to enroll in the status challenge, that way you can get elite status faster and start accruing bonus.

You should also get a credit card that rewards you with miles or points (SPG AMEX).

This is basically the nuts and bolts of this, find out which carrier service your airport, enroll and fly. You might even get credit for previous flight, if they were recent.

Good luck.