I hope that I am not bothering you too mych Malc? It's just something I've been wanting to learn, and the book I bought mine as well be written in Chinese. And yes, the course is 100% as how you described. Shielded metal arc welding, safety, but it doesn't say anything about mig. I understand you have to start somewhere, but for 379 dollars I could buy that Lincoln I want and just practice on cans and metal in my garage.
Bryan