What tips and suggestions can you give me to learn how to properly handle my digital camera?

For example — If you are used to carrying a purse slung over your shoulder, pay special attention to how you carry your camera because you may be accustomed to letting your purse knock against things and not notice when your camera is going to knock against things. This can break the camera or parts of it

I just learned this and it cost me $80 – I was lucky, it could have cost more

What other suggestions can you give me?

Thanks.

The lens, shutter, and zoom all of a sudden stopped working properly. I get a message on the camera telling me to turn it off, and try again, but nothing helps. Do electronic repair stores fix digital cameras? How much does it usually cost for repairs?
My digital camera is a Panasonic Lumix, 5.0 mega pixels

I am getting my girlfriend a digital camera for her birthday. I don’t know a thing about them, and all of those websites with guides on which one to buy confuse me. I am searching for suggestions on specific models that would fit her fine, you know, a good social camera that won’t break the bank.