Looking for a number of plugins

I am searching for a number of plugins that I can’t quite put a name to. I’m very new to blogging and have just recently launched my website, Cup of IT (cupof.it). I’d love your feedback on my progress thus far. Thanks!

First, I’m looking for a plugin that will use thumbnail images from recent blog posts, as well as their post titles, in a horizontal bar at the top of my blog. I hope my vague description makes sense.

Next, I’d like to install a plugin that shows the full size of a photo clicked on in an AJAX-like pop-up.

Also, is there a plugin (or maybe an existing feature) to arrange categories in a navigation menu in a custom order?