Any chance of some kind of guide? There's fifty bazillion pages on the web and I've never had one before. I want to remove unwanted stuff and just have the cool stuff. I feel like a total noob right now and compared to my knowledge of PCs I might as well be my Gran.

Who's in the know? Or can you point me in the right direction on the web?

Applications - edit
then delete all the stuff you dont want or need.

The only problem is stuff the manufacturer/phone co have put on that's difficult to remove. I created a folder and stuffed it all in there.

To get rid of the manufacturer/carrier installed rubbish you'll have to install a custom ROM.

My handset is unbranded and unlocked, so no network crap. But I don't know what I don't want or don't need! I was hoping for a "recommended setup" type deal. You know like when you install Windows/Linux/OSX you immediately set to work getting it the way you like it and tweaking things and installing utilities etc.

see this thread:

Clicky

EDIT - deleted post, I'm a moron.

Except for the crapware the network provider pre-installed, you are stuck with that, unless you root the phone or use a custom ROM. That is why I buy unlocked phones these days.

As to setting up, put the SIM card in, put battery in, turn it on and follow the instructions.

Having gone from iOS to Windows Phone 7 to Android, I spent a lot if time and money playing with apps on the iPhone, but with the other 2, I had my core half a dozen apps or so and I haven't really bothered getting any more.

Signing in with a Google account allows you to download any free apps. I signed up for Google Checkout or whatever it is called and I have bought one app.

To be honest, I use Email, Listen (RSS podcast player from Google), Audible (audio books) on a daily basis and Tweetdeck and Chrome/Firefox a few times a week. Other than that, I don't really use many apps these days.