Ricky, the basic salsa steps that you are learning are correct. There are different styles of basics. There is the "On 1" style which I describe on this website and the "On 2" style which you described.
You will notice that the first step (the left foot) of On1 starts on the second step of On2.
There is yet another style described as the "Eddie Torres - NY Style" On 2 - a mambo on 2. Another style you might want to learn.
Depending on your location, you will find that the salsa crowd dances either On 1 or On 2. Here in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, PA, the majority of salseros dance On1.. In NYC, On 2 is very popular. Both basic steps are correct, but both have a very different feeling.
On2 works very well with the clave and it seems like you have more time to style when dancing.
Dance the steps you learn up in NYC in NYC or where most people dance On 2. If you come down to this area, you might want to dance On 1 to give the followers an easier time.
