My story is somewhat the same regarding getting my desktop to where I want it... and the working on it night and day part... it can be all-consuming. I started with SD in 11/07, and I was trying to learn "classical" technical analysis at the same time. Before that, I was using Wizetrade... it's like training wheels for traders.
And folks do think the SD charts are breathtaking... you have to admit they do look good.