You might want to copy this section and tape it to the wall next to your computer: it's a very short summary of most of the things you'll want to do with Ximian Evolution.
File->New->Folder or Ctrl+Shift +F
File->New->Evolution Bar Shortcut or Ctrl+Shift+S
Use File->New->Mail Message or Ctrl+Shift +M
File->New->Appointment or Ctrl+Shift+A
File->New->Contact or Ctrl+Shift+C
File->New->Task or Ctrl+Shift+T