I have the same camera.
For black and white it's best to do that after you've uploaded the pictures to your computer and do it in the editing process that way you can get it just right. It's not as easy as just a click of button, i mean you can but chances are it won't look great - you have to adjust it. If you have Photoshop or photoshop elements then you can do it in there, there are a number of ways.... and even Gimp you can probably do it too. I'm not too familiar with gimp however but i'm sure there's a way!
For pictures inside and outside it really just takes practice and playing around with the settings. Personally, i'm the opposite, i can take decent picture with the natural light and what not outside but inside in an area with limited light is difficult for me at least. Practice makes perfect though, right? Play around with the aperture and F stop and settings and what not. I do most of my shots on Manual, but whatever works for you. When you feel comfortable you can move on to another setting and see what works for you.... you can always switch back and forth right?
I got my camera in December and i'm still getting the hang of it myself, but if you have any questions feel free to ask!
Sorry i didn't reply in a very in depth response. I'll come back to this thread tomorrow, i would do it now but it's 1:30am and i have a class in the morning lol!
SO confused! I can take pics inside great, ive got a few of Blazey and the cat I can share later. But today I ventured outside to try a few flower pictures. Some turned out fine, but for the most part im just not happy with them. 
Seriously though, it has totally different controls because you're used to your advanced Canon P&S. Post some of the pictures you're unsatisfied with along with the settings you used. What mode were you shooting in?
