Learning Bass Guitar

I got a bass guitar for Christmas. It's Arbor 4 strings bass and I know it's not exactly great like ESP or Ibanez but I gotta start somewhere. I already got a beginner guide book with tabs in it but I would like advice from experienced guitarist on what's the best way to practice and any tips on how to play better. Also I don't mind opinions on playing with picks or fingers.

I played with fingers for 3 years.

I'd advise you to practise on some scales that move across several strings.
At a normal tempo, not too fast, just make sure all notes sound clear.

And practise your right hand by doing different rhythms, supported by click track.
First on ine string, then 2, then 3...

There are a lot of things you can practise.
Btw, playing older rock songs might be a good idea too, some interesting riffs, but most of the time not hard at all
(try to find some tabs on roxanne (the police) for example )

yeah i feel more comfortable playing with my fingers than picks. Thanks for the advices I'll be sure to check out some rock songs tabs online. Any good website?

eek not really, I used to get my sheet music and tabs from my former teacher.

I'd definitely say fingers as opposed to picks. Using picks is just uncool.

Using picks has its advantages (different picking styles/techniques give a certain sound), and it will always sound different from fingers. so just pick (lol pun intended) what you think sounds best.

Your fingers will SUFFER in the beginning though

ALL musicians must suffer . . . it's the law of nature.

A friend of mine coughed blood after the first rehearsal he was the vocalist of a death metal band

Brass players get bloody lips, drummers get sore wrists and/or carpal tunnel, guitarist/bassists get calloused fingers, vocalists lose their voices . . . it's all a part of the game.

yep i pretty much expected that

Plus, you'll also need to learn to play a Once Dead tune to play on the OD guitar

LOL. I STILL have not received that guitar...probably won't in three years!