Go there, scroll down on the home page, there is a list of articles to answer your questions, and then some. If you can find the information in those articles, search the forums. If you can't find what you want there, you're probably asking the wrong questions. That site was made by photographers for photographers, and is maintained by photographers.
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Nikon D40 is an excellent entry-level camera that has received many excellent reviews from users and pros alike.

What do you mean 'Is Canon reliable?'
Canon has been making cameras since 1935, and is up there with Nikon as one of the best cameras available. Look at any professional at work and 95% of the time you will observe they are brandishing Canon or Nikon for their pro shoots. Would Canon cut it with pros if they didn't take Canon seriously?
I mean, come on.
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Okay. It is like this: each camera system has a different mount. The current mount for the canon system is the ef-mount. If the lenses you have are designated ef, then they will work on an eos canon SLR, digital or 35mm.

Here is a chart of the 35mm Canon EOS models, what level they are and when they were made:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_50

Scroll down just a bit and you will see the chart. If the canon that fits the lenses is on this chart, then they are ef-mount lenses. If they are good lenses, then my advice would be to stay with canon. I will give you more info when you update with the specifics from the lenses and the camera.

edit-Okay, I checked for you and from what I have been told the 28-80 is basically a kit lens. Okay, but cheaply made. The 70-210 however is a pretty decent lens. So, I would say it is up to you whether you stay with canon or switch brands. If you do stay with canon, will you be allowed to use the 70-210 lens? If so, then maybe you should. But if not, then now is the time to do some major research and decide which brand you would like the best.

Personally, I am in the process of switching to Sony/Minolta. I like the ergonomics. I like that I can find Minolta lenses to use with the Sonys.

But I would really research because once you decide on a brand, you will be building a system that can only be used with that brand of camera bodies.

I think someone may have linked you here already, but it deserves a second plug:

http://www.dpreview.com/

It really helped me make my final decision on which camera I wanted to go with.
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Go to a camera store and get one in your hands so you get the FEEL. If you are confident enough and been around photo sites, you get grab something cheap that fits your needs.

http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html <– good reading
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Edit to add:
Canon is reliable – PLUS, you get say "can I shoot you with my Canon?" Priceless, don't you think?
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steve
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