Thanks for all the great replies. I appreciate the input. As a few have mentioned, bar ends are probably a must. After about 6 miles or more, my hands do get pretty numb. I even started to think I might have already put too much money into the bike, but realized except for the fork, everything else could be removed easily if I wanted to sell it anytime (seat, computer, pedals).
I need to spend some time adjusting the rear derailleur as it has some slop in it - new cables may be the trick. I will check out the bicycletutor site. Thanks! Overall, I am pleased with it as a wannabe hybrid.
For now, I will hang onto it. It was my first somewhat 'real' bike so to speak. Even thought it is a low-end mountain bike, I enjoy it. At least it wasn't a department store wreck.