New IIGS owner, looking for help/resources

[Chris Hafner <hafner.spam@gmail.com>]

Hi everybody,

I'm a long-time PC guy who just picked up a IIGS on a bit of a whim -
I remember my time on IIe and IIc machines fondly, and always thought
the IIGS seemed like an incredibly cool computer. I got a system with
the CPU, Kensington System Saver, the RGB monitor, and 3.5 and 5.25
inch floppies. They're in good condition, and the seller was able to
boot up to Oregon Trail.

However, the system didn't come with keyboard, mouse or any software.
I've already ordered keyboard/mouse, and they're on the way, but the
software has me a bit confused. If anybody could help me out, or at
least point me in the right direction, I'd much appreciate it.

- When I boot without anything in the drives, I get a message like
"Check Boot Devices" (don't remember the exact terminology) and an
animated apple bouncing between the sides of the screen. Don't these
computers have a basic form of OS or at least BASIC in ROM?

- I remember the IIGS having a GUI - either GEOS or a proprietary
Apple software. I would assume you boot that off floppy and then swap
floppies to load other software? How much software needs to be loaded
this way and how much is self-booting?

- Do I need ProDOS to do anything (or GS OS)?

- I've been looking around for ways to get software to the IIGS, and
it sounds like it's pretty difficult from a PC. There are a bunch of
resources out there, but they either seem to be old with lots of
broken links, or way above my head. Any hints on good places to go or
things to buy to make this a bit easier (or at least to help me
understand)?

- Any must-have pieces of software for the II or IIGS specifically?

Sorry for all the questions, but I'd love to really do this right. And
again, any help would be incredibly appreciated.

Thanks!
Cheers,
Chris Hafner