Well better now than never to take a crack at Ued...
well to get textures load the texture browswer...go to file open...pic a package and there on the srceen you will see all the textures of that package...just click the all button the texture broswer or use the drop box atop the texture broswer to view the different types of textures in that package like floor, base, walls etc.
same applies to static meshes...load the SM browser...file open pic a package and see all the meshes just like with the textures you can view all the SM in the package or different types like lights, wall panel, miscellenous etc.
hope this helps.... oh and one good recommendation is hit 3dbuzz for thier VTM ( video training modules) for ut2k4 ( you need to sign up but the stuff is free of charge and no sign up fee either just name email etc ) or if you have the special edition dvd load dvd 2 for cool video tutorials how to navigate and use unreal ed....
good luck with your future mapping projects