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does gimp 2.4 accept the phtoshop brushes

Yes gimp 2.4 and above accepts PS brushes perfectly :)

download new brushes into this new gimp format? Ive tried dam near everything.... my customers are gettin frustrated >.<

dropping photoshop brushes into the gimp brushes folder is all you need to do, make sure its not in a separate folder though.
check this thread out for more help http://gimper.net/index.php?topic=7.0

If I install this new version of GIMP, will I lose all my brushes and stuff saved with my old version?

you can install the new version over the old one and not lose any of your brushes or gradients

Heyy. where can i get the 'beginners' tutorials of this Gimp 2.4.6 ? .

what is the web gradient thing

http://gimp-tutorials.net/30-Ultimate-Web-20+Layer-Styles-for+-Gimp

How do I get the 'layers channels and paths' box back up after I close it, it won't pull it up after I closed it...

Open a new image and go to dialogs and click on layers or path, which ever your looking for.