I'm new to this whole 3D modeling thing, so I've decided to make a Meepo weapon. I just have a few questions about what to do.

* How do I test my basic mesh in the game? I don't know how to bind my weapon to the rig (if thats even what I'm meant to do), or how to export it in SMD format.
* Is there anywhere that tells me exactly what each different map does, and how to make it? It's really difficult to find what each thing means. And am I better off using GIMP or Paint.net for the texturing?
* When unwrapping my item (it's a shovel) do I just want to seam unwrap the handle of it, and perspective unwrap the blade? or do I want to seam unwrap the whole thing?

Sorry for the nooby questions, any help is appreciated.