Newbie, A few quick questions

Quick answers to quick questions:

1) Google ads can be added with the Google Adsense module: http://drupal.org/project/adsense

2) Blogging is part of Drupal core.
Pictures can be added in several ways: check them out in this category: http://drupal.org/project/Modules/category/67

3) What you are browsing now, is Drupal's implementation of the forum idea. If you don't like it, there are quite a few well-established forums which can be included in a Drupal setup. Just check the appropriate possibilities in "3rd Party Integration": http://drupal.org/project/Modules/category/52

Now if that wasn't fast... :-)

(1) Can I have Google ads on my Drupal site?
Yes, put them as blocks. Give input type as full html

(2) Is there blogging capability? If so, is there an interface that allows me to post small pictures (300x400, *.png) directly from my computer without having to go through an external FTP?
Yes, It supports even multiple users blogs. No FTP Required. Module comes with default installation. Just enable it.

(3) Is there a good forum add-on, or do I need to add that separately from SMF or the likes?
Yes, the same forums as you see in this site drupal.org. Module comes with default installation. Just enable it.
Install Advanced.Forum module to add masala to the forums.

oops.. i dint mean to give a better reply and nor was the prev reply any less good.

that reply was posted while i was typing mine..

drupal forum should include the feature like in smf where u get a warning before posting to review your post if someone had replied while you were typing..