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.

" and @ are swapped around on the keyboard.
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.

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!