Welcome to the board, Willard!
Check your computer options - little icon on the lower left corner of the game screen. You can change the settings to help make the game a little easier for you while you adjust!
I generally have my characters set up before an encounter for attacking with a weapon or which spell they are going to use, but if you get yourself into turn base mode - you can do that within the game too. Just don't panic!
Wyv