Basic Plugins and Methods

Hi,

I’m not new to blogs or blogging but I’ve got a few questions regarding users who use WordPress or blogs in general:

1) Is there any good documentation on the protocols to blogging? I understand this is preference but I’m interested in commenting on news and also documenting my thesis work (for college) that pertains much to cyberlaw/ip in general. I know what trackbacks are but what about technocrati integration?

2) Are there any basic plugins that anyone recommends for wp2.0 that are a must? I know to control spam (debating on letting open registration on my blog) there are some great plugins.

Thanks!