New player LF dps (or maybe healer) suggestions

[Architekt]

In most MMOs, I play to do PVP at the end, but I can get behind dungeons if they're fun enough. I'm looking for some class suggestions (and whether I should pick a job or not) based on my preferred style of play. Doesn't have to be "the best", but just needs to be viable and fun to play.

1. Usually I prefer ranged, as in most MMOs I've played I can't seem to keep my opponent in melee range that easily, but I'm amenable to a melee dps if they have enough control abilities.
2. I tried an archer to level 7 and while I like the instant cast stuff, I kind of feel like I'm not doing anything while I wait for the 2.5s CD which feels a tad boring (maybe this changes at higher levels?). I tried a Thaumaturge for a few levels and it's cool but I'm worried about how viable it is in PVP given I have to stand and cast for 2.5s like a sitting duck.
3. I enjoy healing if the mechanics are fun. How are healers and is there more than 1 class to choose from?
4. Should I choose a job?

Thanks!

[Enkidoh]

Sadly, on your third point, at the start there is only literally one choice for healer, and that's Conjurer (CNJ), which upgrades to the White Mage Job (WHM). Arcanist (ACN) has a healing ability though, even though it's a pet class that is officially considered a DPS class in Duty Finder, and has a pet that can be useful as an off tank (and ACN also is the only class currently that can upgrade to two Jobs, not one - Summoner (SMN) and Scholar (SCH), the later which is officially a healer. So personally, I think ACN would be a good choice for you seeing as you stated you like healing and DPSing as well.

As for your fourth question, yes you should get a Job for your class when the time comes - not only does your Job boost it's starting class's stats by a significant amount, you also have the benefit later on of being able to use AF/AF2 armour and relic weapons which the starting class cannot use. But ultimately it's up to you to make that choice.

[Apinaheebo]

2. Bard is pretty boring at start and gets a lot more interesting when u get the second DOT ability at lvl 30. Keep in mind that it is more of a support than dps. Surely you can do OK dps, but people want you because of your songs.

3. There are two healer jobs in the game, White Mage (Conjurer lvl 30) and Scholar (Arcanist lvl 30). White Mage has better AOE healing and Scholar is slightly better on single target healing and has a pet for good bonus heals.

[Architekt]

How viable is a black mage in pvp?

[JohnM]

How viable is a black mage in pvp?

You will spend more time sleeping the other team than dpsing them, and the other team will tend to hunt down the BLMs and healers first, but they are effective thats why everybody is trying to take them out.