Found this Mark's Daily Apple article a while back then forgot to post it. Primarily of interest to graduating newbies still wondering about their progress, but clarifying for others as well who are in or nearing maintenance. If you're pressed for time, or not convinced to read further by this one-line summary, consider skimming it for bold text and the four bullet-item questions near the bottom.
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/what-doe ... z3g9Qw7eib
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/what-doe ... z3g9Qw7eib