What a crock

I'm thinking I want a crock pot. Why? Well, I'd like to maybe give it a shot and see what happens. That's pretty ambitious considering that I have absolutely no idea how to use one. I've never even attempted it before. And to be honest, the thought of leaving an appliance on all day when I'm not home kind of freaks me out. But, I'm still intrigued. They have them at Target and those type of stores ranging from about $30 and up...a little steep for wanting to get experimental. Is a crock pot the same thing as a slow cooker? Is it awful that I'm 33 and asking that question?