Your new SKS
All the previous posters have given you the great links and information, especially about the "slam fire" scenario. The SKS is prone to it so don't load it unless you're at the range or somewhere you can control the muzzle. (especially in your living room!)
The "normal" routine the very first time you shoot is to only load one round, fire, two rounds, fire, fire, and then three rounds. If you strip a complete magazine, you might have a real mess on your hands if it slams. Also, cleaning the bolt and firing pin will avoid that problem. One other note, make sure you pay strict attention to the placement of the firing pin. It can go in upside down which will guarantee a slam fire!!!
As semi-autos go, the SKS is a piece of cake to own and operate. It tolerates just about any ammo: clean or dirty, it rarely if ever has a stoppage, parts are abundent, there aren't any gas valves to clean or get dirty, it looks evil, and is really cheap to shoot.
I did a lot of reading about the history of the SKS and learned some interesting facts. First of all, it has a chrome lined barrel. The recently imported Yugos do not have chromed barrels, btw. Properly cleaned, the bore should shine like a new quarter. I've never seen a poor bore on an SKS, ever.
Secondly, they always shoot. The Vietcong used them extensively and I've read that after being dragged through the mud, they would simply pee on it to clean it! When I told that so my buds at the range a few years ago, they all offered to clean my rifle for me!
During the fall of Saigon, the Vietcong had planted hundreds of SKSs in secret hiding places throughout the city. When they went to grab them, they discovered that the termites had eaten the stocks. That didn't stop them from using them, however. I've seen a photo of a Vietcong soldier shooting his SKS with the butt wrapped in a shirt! I mean these rifles are damn near indestructable.
All of that said, I shoot mine from time to time but prefer a more "manly" semi-auto to the tiny round these rifles shoot. They are a great primer for newbies to rifle shooting as they get you used to semi-auto fire without the huge bang a larger cartridge supplies.
One other note about ammo. I don't shoot the Wolf any longer. I don't like the mess or the smell although it is cheap. I much prefer the brass cased South African ammo you can buy everywhere now. It costs a fraction more but is much cleaner and accurate.
Whatever you do, don't "sporterize" or bubba-up that rifle. Keep it original and enjoy it for what it is. It's fun, lightweight, accurate, and interesting. Spend some time researching the sites the other posters have provided to you. You'll be impressed with the history of this rifle. One last note of warning. Don't be tempted to build an "auto" version of the trigger group which you'll see mentioned here and there. That would be bad in many ways.
Rome
Help me guys and gals!! What kind of a beast have I here!!! There was no manual provided!!!