Great info in this thread. I will add what little I know.
For the OP asking what additional items to add to the Hobart unit, it was mentioned before, is having gas. It makes a big difference on your weld and welding experience. I use 80/20 mix, but some use 75/25 mix.
Hobart is a great product. I have heard from many that they are older model Miller units that are repackaged for a much lesser price than the Miller brand.
I have a Millermatic 212 220v MIG that I absolutely LOVE. It has the autoset feature for when a person is still learning, but can be set any which way once you get the hang of it. Its not cheap, but I have found that during the Christmas shopping season, CYBERWELD.com has some really great deals. I guess folks aren't buying welders around Christmas.
Like others have stated, Practice on scrap. It really is satisfying when you can build, repair, fabricate your own parts with the help of a good welder.
I was taught by an old welder to use a Cursive "C" pattern when doing a weld pattern. There are many factors to this, IE: gauge of material, wire gauge, Arc settings, gas settings, etc that determine how fast your pass is. But the idea is you do Cursive CCCCCCCCC s across your area watching the flow of the material making sure it flows and isn't too hot ( blow out ) and not too cold ( bad penetration ). Only doing this and practicing will get the results you want.
Sheet metal is a different animal and again takes a different approach. But overall, having a good welder is half the battle.
Hobarts are nice machines !
Good luck and have fun