Replying to Buying a Skate Deck

Sooo I just broke my first board today while skating. I bought it off a website and just based it off of the width, length, and graphic because i didnt know any better. And frankly, i still dont know any better. But my question is, do some companies make better boards then other companies? Or is it all just personal preference? Im planning on heading down to my local skate shop to get a new one today or tomorrow and i dont want to make my self look like an idiot because im ignorant.