Another way to browse files is to simply open up the list of apps and go to file manager. You can also add this to that drop down search menu others mentioned.
To copy and paste simply double tap the word, it'll be highlighted with two little markers on each end of the word. Drag the markers where you want to copy/cut. Then touch and hold the highlighted area and you'll get another menu with copy, paste, or cut.
With the contacts issue make sure the contacts PHONE NUMBERS were saved to your gmail account. If they were only saved on the phone then they could've copied over the contacts but they aren't backed up anywhere.
As for the double contacts, I remember having this problem when I first got my Eris, and there was a way to remove doubles, but to be completely honest I can't remember how. So keep looking for that one cause I know I had the same problem once.
And another welcome to the Droid community. I love when snobby iPhone users go on about "there's nothing you can do on a droid that you can't do on a iPhone" and then you get into the technical stuff and they have never even heard of an sbf. Maybe it's sad, but I'm a PC dude, and I really don't care if people like Apple, but it's still fun to watch them get quiet and be confused for a second after they tried to berate you.