Newbie Help

[terisilv@ix.netcom.com]

Greetings,

My father was just given an Apple2 GS, with an Applewriter printer,
one 3.5 disk drive, and diskettes for OS4.0 and 5.0, as well as what
look to be copies of Claris Appleworks 1.2.  He is a TOTAL computer
newbie, and I am a PC person, so we are both completely in the dark
here.
So far, I can boot up using either system diskette, and change
settings, etc.  However, I believe that the diskettes for the
Appleworks are corrupted.  I verified the diskettes and received
messages to that effect.
I've found Sun Remarketing's Web Site so far, and of course this
newsgroup.  I'd like some help on sources for shareware and freeware
for the computer, and the location of the FAQ I've seen mentioned.
Also, I have a very stupid question.  If I find shareware for Dad, and
download it onto my own computer, will I need to find someone with an
Apple to copy the information onto Apple Compatible diskettes?  

Dad is bound and determined to make this computer work, and has
enlisted my help.  Therefore, I'm enlisting yours.  Any advice, help,
files, flames, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

Teri Silvey