I can't give you much info since my first smoker just arrived today, and its not something I grew up learning.
But I can tell you to search some smoking forums... I did that before I even ordered a smoker. And just like this forum, they are a wealth of information.
I plan on supplementing the electric smoker I bought with one of theses
http://www.amazenproducts.com/
And for a electric controller
http://www.auberins.com/index.php?ma...index&cPath=14