How do I mine for coins? Finally synchronized the blockchain, yet not sure if I'm mining for coins. Where do I find out if I am or do I need something else?
The bitcoin wallet is for receiving and sending bitcoins. When it is synced you are all set. You don't need anything else to receive and send coins.

Note that you can receive coins even if the wallet is not synced, you just won't see them before you are synced.