Module development and code questions

What hook should I be using to take some action upon some extra database tables I've defined when a node/story/article is published to the site? I can't seem to find something completely appropriate in the documentation.

Thanks,

James

I'm working on a Drupal site (v. 4.4 on an apache server), which I want to use for collaboration on music projects. I thought that by using Filestore I'd be able to specify what kind of file to use, and use the books module to discuss and revise work.

However, it doesn't seem to be able to upload. I set the MIME type to audio/mp3, is this the correct term to use? Is it possible to upload and download audio this way?

http://www.dash.yi.org

I am building an external php script that interfaces with drupal. I am looking to maintain some of the drupal functionality - mainly the blocks from my theme. presently I am including only common.inc - this allows me some functionality (I can tell what user is logged on etc. but I would like to continue to display the navigation / logon block as well on my external script.

What is the "->" operator? What does it do? I can't find a reference that describes what -> does in any of my php texts and I can not find it on the web either.

Can someone clearly define its functionality for me?

Thanks!!

Sadian

has anybody updated the feedback module to 4.4?

I was wondering is there any tutorial available on writing modules in drupal to new users .It will be really helpful for newbies like me to start writing modules .I want to write a course module for my website . I can write code in php ( not an expert ) .I want some help to start writing a module .I really apperciate if any one can give me some guide lines .
Thanks
Drupal Newbie