Jarring and Canning?

I have the urge to learn how to jar and can some of our foods. I make homemade applesauce that is to die for (if I do say so myself!) and I was thinking that there's no reason why I can't learn to jar it so we can enjoy it all year long. While apples are available year round and it's quick and easy to prepare, it would be that much better if I could make it now while apples are super, super cheap. I was also thinking that it would be a great thing to give as gifts in Christmas baskets.

Another thing that I was thinking I could jar is my homemade salsa. I love making it and it's so, so, so much better than the nasty jar stuff but it's a pain to get the food processor and everything out for one measly batch. If I made that in bulk and put it into jas it would be so nice to have on hand for parties and/or gift baskets.

The possibilities are endless, really... Spaghetti sauce? Vegetables? This could be a really fun hobby for me and I'm ALWAYS looking for things to do in my spare time.

Then, there's the negative Jillian I have to battle... Part of me thinks that I won't be any good at it or that I'll do it wrong and make people sick from somehow letting bacteria grow in it. Also, I wonder if all of the mason jars and stuff are really expensive? I think I also need a special boiling pot to boil the jars in, too. I can't imagine that it would really be THAT much money though.

Have any of you ever had any experience with this sort of thing? If so, please give me your insight! I want to try it so bad!