Hi, Mai!
Generally, RAW is used for non-creative modes (i.e. those other than auto and the settings you have such as landscape, people, etc - the ones with the pictures to show what you will be doing). Those creative settings tend to shoot jpeg only, so you first need to know what mode you are shooting in to work out whether or not RAW is best (or possible) for you.
If you are not shooting in those modes, I think that using RAW for all pics (or RAW plus jpeg) is the best way to go as it allows so much more in terms of processing when you use Photoshop or whatever editing software you have.
When I had my P&S I always used the creative functions on my camera but my OH forced me (the s*d!!
) to never use those on my DSLR - the nearest equivalent, really, is 'P' (I use Canon) which tends to be close to Auto but allows certain changes for shots.
I am not quite sure how non-technical or how new to photography you are, so apologies if I sound patronising in any way. The thing is, I think there is a direct correlation between technical ability (and not just the ability to take a good shot, but the ability to work with the software etc available to you) and the ability to take a good 'in-camera-assisted' photograph. If it were not for the encouragement I get from Mark, I would probably still use jpeg pretty much 100% of the time and be happy with the results.