Where should I keep my apps?
 

Sorry if this latest inquiry seems silly, but keep in mind I'm a Mac user by trade, not a Windows defector... see, with OS X I'm used to sticking all my downloaded applications into the 'Applications' folder on the Mac HD. Is there something similar to that or a Programs file already on mandrake? Need I simply make a new directory wherever I feel like and stick all my Apps there when I install them? I just need to get accustomed to the layout of the new OS, I guess...

The best thing to do is to create a folder for your downloaded rpm files and then just install them. The apps will install to the correct folders so that you will be able to run them. Also look into using urpmi - and you won't have to worry about where to install the apps :)