Best of luck with your new embroidery machine. You will have so much fun. I recently just bought a Pfaff 2170 (my second machine - I had a Babylock Ellageo which I loved but did not have computer connectivity). I have also done a lot of sewing/embroidery on Viking (worked for them a while when I was in VA)
Here are a couple of links about stabilizer. The first is a Threads article and the other is from About.com
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00128.asp
http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.h...Stabilizer.htm
I agree with Loretta on the importance of good hooping/stabilizer. Also if it is a design that you have downloaded from the internet - stitch it out before you do your final piece as some do not stitch out as you might expect them to. Debra Mc is correct about thread - you get what you pay for - I now buy either Madera or Robison Anton Thread - it is beautiful to work with. I do have some cheap thread but I use it sparingly. I have found that some machines are pickier than others. Below is another Threads article about thread choices.
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00125.asp
Again - best of luck - and ask lots of questions.