Get a starter pack to start with, because it will really make you decide if you wanna keep playing guitar, or if it's just a phase.
I do agree with aokmaster15 though, getting a nice sounding amp is Important. I was quite lucky because when i got my first shitty guitar, i was given a HUGE marshall amp by my uncle for £20 coz he quit, and so i've always had a great sound. Practise amps are horrible, but something to start with. If you can fork out that little bit extra, buy your starter guitar and look at cheap amps that are between 40-60 watts.
No, it's really not.
When you start out you need to learn songs NOT scales because for yourself, you need to see an improvement and be proud of yourself. Scales are not impressive, and when you are a beginner there will be no speed with it, so you won't be impressed. In the long run it's better, but in order to keep you captivated with guitar you need to learn songs. And they need to be basic, but confidently played.
As for tabs, there is nothing wrong with tabs. It's the next best thing to reading music. It's not the worst advice you can give someone, it's the best advice to give someone if they can't read music
Don't be an elitist. If you can play by ear, great. But that doesn't make it easy for everyone else.
vouch.....