Is there a manual somewhere that I can reference?

I think I've got the hang of basic gameplay and whatnot, but there are a lot of simple questions I don't know how to find the answers for. Mostly I'm trying to figure out what kinds of equipment the different crafting classes can make, and what the different types of armor are and which classes can use them, or can someone explain to me if my character's base stats increase based on overall experience total or just the level of the class I'm currently in? Is there a website or a file somewhere where I can just look this up? Or are we supposed to figure it all out for ourselves?

I think the database will become available mid-September with the info you're (we, actually..I'd like that info as well) looking for. Right now, it's more of a "see as you go and ask as you go" thing.

You'll be able to assign some points to your base stats starting at a certain level, but I forgot what level that was. I know it's above level 5, though. Sorry, I wasn't much help!

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/playguide/