which is better

I'm just starting out with guitar. Love this site and have learned a lot since starting. My question is... for a beginner is it better to learn picking the notes and cords by fingers or a pick. I have an acoustic guitar if that matters.

Depends on the style of music you are playing. No point learning to play with your fingers if the music you want to play is played with a pic.

mostly country music is what I like but would like to play a little of everything once I get better at it

I'm going nice and slow with the guitar fundamentals and having a lot of fun. Since you're starting, I highly recommend you start there. As for using a pick . I also would recommend it as it would help you learn how to strum properly and also good for altenate picking.

As for finger picking. That's covered later in Lisa McCormick's acoustic finger picking series.

Welcome and have fun

I would recommend learning both since country music can have some strumming and some fingerpicking and if you ever want to get into other styles of music it helps to be as well rounded as possible.

Some players tend to prefer fingers or pick. Best to try both and see which feels best for you.

I would let the songs you like/want to play drive you to how you play. The music you like will more than anyother thing be what you base style and gear off of. Look up some of your best bands and take alook into how/what they play and that will be your best bet.