I've been starting out with some Weight training for the first time.
My brother does that! He's developed a lot of strength and the size of his skeletal muscles has increased.
I've been following the "Starting Strength" program based on the best selling book.
That sounds like a good start. My brother uses weighted bars, dumbbells, or weight stacks in his training
I've been using barbells. The program is quite simple and focuses primarily on squats, deadlifts and bench press.
You should try power lifting if you want to gain strength. Your barbells get loaded with weight plates. It is tough