Weight Training for Novice Lifters: Choosing the right program

First of all, to be considered a "Novice Lifter" your strength must be below a 225lb bench press, 315lb squat, and a 405lb deadlift (and it should only take 1 to 1.5 years to get those numbers with proper training).
You may think, "Those numbers are insane! I've been lifting for 4+ years and I can't even do that!"
The reason you haven't hit those numbers is you aren't following a properly written training program or you're following fluff and pump programs that don't get you anywhere.

What program should I follow then?
The three best Novice Programs out there right now are the Alpha Destiny Novice Program, The ICF 5X5 Program, and last but not least Strong Lifts 5x5. If you follow any of these programs while eating in a calorie surplus you are guaranteed to hit a 225lb bench press, 315lb squat, and a 405 deadlift in no more than a year. When you hit those numbers you have entered the Intermediate stage and need to move onto an intermediate program.

For Women
Women should follow the same programs but obviously because of their biological differences they won't be hitting the numbers I listed above. Numbers are skewed on the internet but I'd say a 95lb bench press, 185-225 squat, and 225 deadlift is probably as accurate as it gets.