Some Advice for A Joomla Noob? - Joomla! Forum - community, help and support

hi everyone, i've looked around forums , seems place post here goes:

i'm using joomla 1.5.20 on qnap nas device. i've been using joomla week now, i've been looking @ managerie of online [youtube] tutorials & other written guides in hope start grasping fundamentals of joomla , slowly, few things begining stick.

i'm hoping use 'docman' document management system extension joomlatools.com allow registered users access suite of documents (denying access others)

1) i've ammended simple free template uses defacto login module supplied joomla. bland looking template minor ammendments fine
2) i've created small & simple articlefor testing purposes reflect / docman homepage/article
3) created new public menu item (which displayed in main menu see attched picture)
4) created test user login & test

by creating menu item joomla allowed me redirect small & simple article created. if unpublish assigned main menu item login redirection no longer displays article created until re-publish

what i'm trying acheive is:
- article not appearing under main menu
- registered user, no end access logs joomla site.
- user taken directly docman homepage / article upon have access various electronic articles / documents etc.
-no other access allowed non-registered users (i'm guessing here user/group permissions control & has access docman?).

can please offer advice on how may acheivable if @

with warm regards & time

jon

i think @ least starting point is:

1) create new menu
2) move menu item there, , set acces registered
3) set login redirect menu item.

so have page not on public menu, registered users can access after logging in. setup module new menu, , display registered users.