The issue with Konq is probably down to the font being used.
Can't give you any specific help with gtkam, but I'm sure it is a permissions issue.
Almost certainly this is down to the wrong keyboard being selected. If you live mainly in Kde land, Control Center > Peripherals > Keyboard should enable you to select the right one." and @ are swapped around on the keyboard.
Note that there is something on digital cameras there, too.
The best book on Linux is rute. You can buy it (hardcopy -- do a google it to find the publishers) or apt-get it.
(as root)
apt-get update && apt-get install rutebook
It's neither simple or difficult. It is pretty damn comprehensive.
A HOWTO I like is the DOS/Windows to Linux HOWTO. You might try googling for it.
HTH and have fun!