Programs/apps to self teach guitar?

RockSmith may help you out a decent bit, especially if you'd rather learn songs than how to 'jam'.

Otherwise, especially since it's just a bass, learn chord progressions and the appropriate scales. It doesn't take much to be a servicable bass player. You're not going to thump like Berry Oakley, but you'll be able to provide a solid rythym.

ETA: You can also find COUNTLESS instructional videos on youtube. Just look up 'beginning bass guitar' or something.

Carol Kaye, bassist for The Wrecking Crew on scores of hits, offers Lessons by Skype

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Once I learn to play the bass, would it be hard to transition to a six string electric guitar?

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There is some overlap, but it is much, much harder to become somewhat proficient on a standard than a bass. Chord formation, neck size, etc., make it much different. But the scales and progressions you learn on the bass can transition pretty well.

I would advise you to play with a metronome from the very beginning - you can noodle on scales all day, but if your time isn't good, it immediately sounds like shite when you play with others.

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Once I learn to play the bass, would it be hard to transition to a six string electric guitar? That's what I really want to learn to play, but I was literally given the bass guitar.

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Play the root notes on time. Less is more.

If you can sing a bit, stick with the bass. You'll always find regular gigs. Guitar players are a dime a dozen.