i have worked with 3D modeling before so i understand most of the terms used
its more the interface, and those function (like nurbs, and those cool effects) that isnt in freeware programs like blender!

i saw some tutorials, and played around a little and i managed to make a (terible ugly looking) bottle
though i still dont know how to open the material editor

but i think ill get it with some practising!
even though i dont quite understand it yet, it looks pretty simple, so i think ill pick it up fast!

anyway thanks for the replies
and sorry for my horrible english -.-

-Craksy

EDIT:

after waching a few tutorials, i got some questions:

1. how do i, when i create meshes from the create menu, make them apear in the center, instead of having to drag them on to the grid?

2. i havent been able to find the "modeling" menu set. has it been renamed, or removed in maya 8 or something?
i also checked the custom menu set thingy, and i wasnt able to find the "edit polygon" menu? is that the same as "edit mesh" menu?

in advance: thanks