About back stitching - if you are sewing large stitches, then backspace. Larger stitches loosen and come apart easier during the piecing process. Smaller stitches hold together much better during all the handling that goes on when piecing. And, as all of us know, quilts get more 'handling' while you're learning about your machine and the quilting process.
Check online or at a quilting store to find out if there is a quilting guild near you. The guilds I belong to have quilters of all levels; the more experienced quilters are always willing to help the less experienced (like me).
Good luck on your new hobby.