Ok, I'm good for now.. I was able to download and install the wallet, get it to sync, and import my keys (more than one as I'd purchased multiple times) with no problems..yeah Moolah!! also was able to fully encrypt my wallet. (do this ASAP and backup you wallet.dat!!!!)   As a test I was also able to transfer some to an exchange after encrypting and it all worked.  Can't vouch for the promised features yet as I've not tried them.

As far as mining, IPOMiner (which I had an existing account from before) had some issues at first it looked like, but then added the direct port and I've been working fine since then. +1 Since they have been around for so long, and only took a bit for them to be up and fully running.

With the basics done I'm happy for tonight, can't wait to see where this all goes in the next few months.