Hi Robert,
First, Welcome to AUGI!
I'm sure you'll learn alot and in the process maybe even have some fun.
You didn't mention what version of ABS you are using, since I only have ABS2007.1 available to me here I'll try to step you through the process using it. Earlier versions are very similar.
To get you started understanding how devices work I would suggest starting a new drawing and inserting a device. (I'm going to use a duplex receptacle in my example so you might do the same). After you have inserted the device go to FORMAT - Style Manager - Electrical Objects - Device Styles. You should have two devices listed (Standard and Duplex Receptacle). Double click on the Duplex Receptacle style and go to the Views tab.
At the top of the tab you'll see three view names (Model, Plan and Reflected). Click on the plan view name. You should see the View Block change to AECBE_R_Duplex_P. Also you will note that this block shows up on a top and bottom view in the plan representation. If you click on the other view names you will notice that either the view block, view direction, display representation or all three changes. Autodesk tends to put a "P" at the end of plan view blocks (these are the symbols used for top and bottom views) and an "M" at the end of model views (these are 3D views for other angles).
Make note of the plan view block name and go to FILE - Open and click on the Content folder on the left side of the Open Dialog box. This will take you directly to where ABS is picking up the styles it uses. Navigate to Aecb Content/US Imperial/Electrical/ Devices and open the Recepticles US Imperial.dwg
The drawing appears empty but if you go to INSERT - Block you will see a bunch of blocks including AECBE_R_Duplex_P.
AT THIS TIME I MUST STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU MAKE A BACKUP OF ANY FILE YOU ARE GOING TO MODIFY (Just in case)
To change the look of the block insert it into the Receptacles US Imperial.dwg, explode it, make the changes to the block and then redefine it with the same name. That's it!
Sorry this is so long winded,
Hope this helps and post back if you have any questions.