Hey guys, I'm gonna start on mapping. I'm working on some sounds as well. But, I'm taking a break and wanna give mapping a try. Can I get a link to some mapping programs?

Er. The only mapping program you need (and that is available, for that matter) for Source is Valve Hammer Editor.

You can get it by downloading the Source SDK via Steam.

Here are some tutorials:Originally posted by otF yetihw
http://www.hl2world.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

http://www.gamedesign.net/node/775

This is a nice simple explanation of nodraw: http://www.gamedesign.net/node/779

Interlopers as mentioned by mahhag is fantastic as it has loads of tutorials

A good read on optimization: http://www.student.kun.nl/rvanhoorn/Optimization.htm#chapter1

There's loads out there, google "hl2 tutorials" as well.Good luck!! :)

Simply download the SDK, located in your Steam-Menu "Tools", which includes the "Hammer" Mapping-Tool.