1) How do I change the red font on the member list (I am not sure which CSS file to change. I found a large CSS file, but I couldn't see where to make the changes or if that was the correct file). Does this need to changed through the use of a theme or template?
Active Social doesn't have a red font on the member list by default. This is probably being picked up from your skin.css where the color of links is specified.
2) I would like to change the headings on the profile page where it says Activity, Info, Friends, Etc. If I change the language files in DNN and profileviewtabs. config, will this do the trick or do I need to make other changes?
Yes, use the DotNetNuke language editor to change the sharedresources.resx file that is in /DesktopModules/ActiveSocial/App_LocalResources
3) If it is possible, I would like to change the concept of Friends to Contacts or Colleagues. Again, If I change the language file in DNN, will that be sufficient?
Yes, just look in the SharedResources file.
4) I would like to replace the icon on the Profile page that looks like the upper body of a little guy with an orange head and a blue shirt. I want to put my own image related to renewable energy in there.
Place the icon you want in the root of your portal directory(/portals/portalid). Then add this to your portals.css file.
div.amsocial .profileview table#hd #icon{background-image:url(newimagename.png);}
5) Can I disable the Groups and My topics temporarily (as they are mostly blank, because my site is new) through the Journal page of the control panel or pageviewtabs.config?
Yes, I would suggest changing the permissions on those tabs to "Admin"
6) What is the "social summary"? Is it the member directory?
It this summary of journal items related to a particular user. It is a combination of all group and friend activity.
7) What are resource files?
.resx files. Where all the text values are stored.
8) What is the difference between a template and a theme?
A theme is made up of templates, css and image files.
9) How can I delete the icons (smiley faces) in the area where people post to forums? I tried replacing them once but it looks like you have to replace them all using the same names they already have. I want to delete this, not replace them with 15-20 other images.
You turn them off in the Active Forums control under the features tab. Change Emoticons from "Yes" to "No"
10) I have read great things about Ventrian and their News Articles module. Why is it so popular? What functionality does it provide that others don't?
It is the only article/blogs module with Active Social integration at this time. There is a recent post on the DNN forums that discusses the various blog modules.
11) Where do feeds show up once they are entered? On our own profile page?
Yes, as part of the journal.
12) Can I use xmod to draw member information out of the AS tables and display it in other parts of my web site? I am thinking of things like how many members are from each country or sorting the members by title or company.
Probably, but requires a good bit of knowledge and willingness to learn how to use the module. Not something that can be explained in a forum post really.
13) Are templates able to be used in other AS websites? Can I buy templates? Steve at bikeclicks.com has a very nice layout for the member directory. Steve, where can I get the small blue icons on your profile page? They look very professional?
I'm pretty sure Steven made all his icons. We don't have any stock templates or skins available yet, but we can always build one for you.
14) What are "Categories" for?
Categories are used for organizing groups. If you do a quick search in our forums for categories you will find several posts that go into details about categories and group types.
15) I like the idea of having all of the DNN functionality behind AS. In other words make AS the window into my web site. How long do you think we are from that being possible?
You can do that now with the proper skin, templates and site configuration. ActiveSocial.com is a good example.
16) Is there a limit to how many profile property's I can have for my members?
Technically, No, but that doesn't mean you won't have some performance problems along the way. Stay under 100 to 150 and you will be on a basic setup.
17) In which database table is the profile property located? I want to try to use DNN's reporting module or xmod to pull data out and summarize it.
UserProfile
18) On the member directory page, can we show each member's company instead of the city that they are located in?
Sure, as long as it's a profile property.