thanks for getting back to me so fast. what are the odds that the pins coming out of my various components will line up with those holes? is the spacing on something like that pretty universal? where would i get one like that top picture?
The odds can be quite high, depends on the components' packages
They are 0.1" (2.54mm) spacing which is a standard, a fairly old one too. Resistors, caps, diodes, generally have axial leads, which can be bent to whatever pitch you wish (the minimum being the length of the component), transistors fit across 3 holes, and DIP IC packages are designed for this spacing.
As for information/purchasing both types of board shown in the previous reply? The solderless breadboard is the white thing, very handy indeed, maybe not for RF or overly sensitive electronics, or high current, but everything else.
The prototype soldering board can come in certain patterns, or simply have 'one pad per hole', and go by various names/breandnames.
Stripboard, Veroboard, matrix board (some don't have copper!), tripad, prototyping board.
Google those and you'll find info, tips, tutorials, and distributors. Ebay can be an excellent source for small orders, as well as prototyping hardware, but almost all electronic shops have a prototyping section, since its such a massive area of the industry.
Good luck!
Blueteeth