Welcome - and to share my experience with commuting since last November:

I didn't really know about or understand what riding my bike every day meant until I started. My 03 steel MTB had been upgraded with road slicks, barends, etc. and I rode it for about a month until I had a pretty good idea what I wanted to invest in for a 'long term riding machine'. Reading BF helped immensely along with hanging around my LBS asking questions.

Someone has suggested not spending a whole bunch of money until you've tested your route, your motivation, your riding style. THEN spend the bucks.

FWIW, I think that becoming a cycle commuter is as much as a process for achieving a frame of mind as it is any equipment or technical who-ha. Steady commuting has as much to do with attitude (which can't be bought) as it does with equipment (that is simply a purchase). The maintenance of the former requires more attention than the latter. Folks commute on just about anything just as they tour on just about everything.