Toyota Repair: 2000 Camry Diagnostic Codes, scantool, advanced auto

Question
My car has about 120,000 miles.  My check engine light has been on for "a while" (too long).  The car seems to run alright, except it smells like it's burning a little oil.  Someone told me it's possible to check some diagnostic codes myself, and I found instructions for checking codes in a 1994 model, but I'm assuming that's changed since then.

I'm not very knowledgeable about cars, so is it something I can do myself, have my boyfriend do, or should I take it to Advanced Auto (as someone else suggested) and see if they'll plug it in?

Thanks

Answer
Yes, things have changed a lot since 1994 and it requires an onboard diagnostic scantool to get the trouble codes, there are a few autoparts stores that will retreive the trouble codes or at least help you do this at no charge so I will suggest taking it to advanced auto to find out what the codes are.
After getting that information you can get back to me, I will also need a little more information, is it a 4 cylinder or V-6 camry?
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