Some simple beginner questions

I have a 40d on the way now I need to figure out how to get it connected to my DOB which is on an equitoral platform. Apparently you can buy hardware to connect without an eyepiece, is this called prime focus? Or you can buy hardware to some how connect to an eyepiece.

The question is which is the way to go or do you sometimes go one way or the other. How do you get connected to an eyepiece?

You want to start by simply using a "Camera Adapter" This has a 2 inch barrel (or 1.25--I'd recommend 2) on one end and a T-adapter thread on the other. Then you screw on a t-ring. This has female t-threads on one end, and a bayonet mount to attach to your camera on the other. They are very common. Look at Anacortes, and they will get you what you need.

Stick this contraption in your focuser tube, connect your camera, and you can start. This is called Prime Focus photography (although it is not really at Prime Focus, technically), and makes your telescope tube into a very long focal length lens.

Using an eyepiece is called projection or afocal photography. You do not want to go there for a while. It is much more critical and difficult.

Alex