as for settings as a noob myself I tried a number of different clients , CPU, SMP and GPU as well as configuring them. The easiest way to set my machine up was through the GPU tracker here although at version 3.44 now I still use 3.34 adn the settings are fairly self explanatory.
Ian, I will be back in a few days and if need be I will post a guide to the GPU tracker in the guides section. If you download it and look at the settings tab you will see it is really straight forward.
If that is your rig in your signature you will zoom past me in no time, no doubt people will advise on whats best