I have a couple of questions...

[Curiose]

I just got started using GIMP, and was a previous Adobe Photoshop user, and I am having a slight bit of trouble with a few things...

1. When said to 'render' a picture, you put it in the main box that pops up once starting the program, correct? If so, then I tried doing that before... and it just opened the picture up on a new canvas...

2. When it comes to using gradients, I can't seem to be able to use them. I click them, but the last option in the toolbox I use is still equipped and I use that rather than the gradient I would like to choose...

3. Some of the tools in the toolbox don't work, even when I have a colour equipped. ><

I haven't done any sort of media manipulation for years, so I'm a bit lost, and I would like to know what I'm doing wrong and what I can possibly do to fix anything I did to mess up and put myself in this current situation. Thank you for your help in advance.

[saulgoode]

1. When said to 'render' a picture, you put it in the main box that pops up once starting the program, correct?

I do not understand. Could you describe what you mean by "render"?

2. When it comes to using gradients, I can't seem to be able to use them. I click them, but the last option in the toolbox I use is still equipped and I use that rather than the gradient I would like to choose...

After setting your gradient, you can use the Blend Tool to fill the current layer (or a selected region of it) with the chosen gradient.

3. Some of the tools in the toolbox don't work, even when I have a colour equipped. ><

Could you be more specific?

[rich]

Welcome to GUG, as well as SaulGoodes questions it really helps if you say which operating system you use and the version of gimp, just in case it is 'old-ish' or indeed 'cutting-edge-experimental'.

I just got started using GIMP, and was a previous Adobe Photoshop user, and I am having a slight bit of trouble with a few things...

Best thing you can do is not try and compare PS and Gimp, it is pointless. However, your experience with PS will be useful.

1. When said to 'render' a picture, you put it in the main box that pops up once starting the program, correct? If so, then I tried doing that before... and it just opened the picture up on a new canvas...

Well .. thats what you do when you open an image for editing. You can open several images in separate windows or different images 'as-layers'. IMHO best keep off the drag-n-drop, use the File menu.

2. When it comes to using gradients, I can't seem to be able to use them. I click them, but the last option in the toolbox I use is still equipped and I use that rather than the gradient I would like to choose...

You need to select the blend tool.
I could write pages + screenshots with arrows all over the place but it is easier to make a short 'bespoke' video. This one covers opening (and saving) and a very basic look at the blend tool + gradients. Might answer some of your questions. I am assuming you are using windows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn3s5qMxYak length 10 mins.

Have a look then come back with more questions.

3. Some of the tools in the toolbox don't work, even when I have a colour equipped. ><

Same as SG which tools don't work?

[staun]

If tools do not work, a common mistake is often not to have an area selected. No matter how much you use the paintbrush it won't paint unless an area is selected. Maybe that's the case.