First one PIMBackup. It backs up your contacts, messages, task, calender events, etc. to a file on your sd card.
PIMBackup.
http://www.dotfred.net/
Instead of the cube check out Manila2D. Its a fairly new program from the Touch Viva that replaces the today screen with a Diamond Like interface.
Manila2D
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=398173
Manila2D Skins/Themes
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...anila+2D+Black
That should get you started. Also has the phone been upgraded to wm6.1 yet. Go into settings/system/Device Info and the rom version should be 3.56 and the radio should be 3.42.
This is just the tip of the iceberg my friend. Welcome you will love this place. Here and xda-developers have an almost unlimited amount of info about the phone and programs for it.