So far, so good..

[Naglfari]

Ok, I'm connected to the internet (actually, the DSL modem was set up on a windows system, I just plugged the ubuntu comp into it, and it found the connection itself), I've configured the email to all 3 email accounts that I use, and I've chatted with my sister (on AOL) and a friend in Nashville (on Yahoo) using Gaim. My first attempt at finding and installing an application is going to be some kind of accounting software to replace the Quicken that I use under windows. Any suggestions, favorites, one better than the other, etc??

[Riverside]

If you haven't already, apt-get install firestarter, use its GUI to set up a firewall and become familiar with security issues on Linux in general. Use strong passwords for all user accounts, update the system regularly, etc etc. Linux machines with permanent broadband connections to the Internet are a tempting cracker target, and whilst (imo at least) Linux machines are easier to secure than their Windows counterparts, security is paradoxically more important.

[rmjokers]

I would suggest gnucash. It is kinda ugly because it has not yet been ported to gtk2, but it is very powerful. You could also look at these articles for useful advice:

http://lwn.net/Articles/149383/

and

http://lwn.net/Articles/152659/

You can install it using synaptic.