Ok, I'll start at the beginning.
Rip your music to the MY MUSIC folder and copy your pictures/movies to their respective folders.
If you don't have any programs to rip your music, just use WMP (Windows Media Player) to do it. Decide on what level of compression (if any) you would like. Personally I rip using a lossless format. It takes up more space but I'm ok with that. You may be happy with MP3 rips, that is up to you to feel out.
* NOTE: You can also rip your CDs right to the PS3's hard drive if you so choose.
After all the files are copied/ripped turn on your PS3 and on the menu go tot he tab for what you want. Pictures, Music or Movies. Under that tab you should see something like PLAY or WATCH, select that. Then you will see a list of your said items. Select what you want to see or listen to.
That is basically how it works.
I think I'll be riding by your place on Saturday if you want me to stop in.