I have a diode and i'm assuming that the end of the diode with the printed ring around it is the end with the | part on the schematic?
Yup......the easiset way to remember is the > is the Anode think of it as a letter A, the cathode or banded end in the physical sense would be remembered by the >| and looks like a letter K in reverse........
Also, what's with Vcc? is that just like the positive inverse of ground? i'm just supposed to connect all the 'Vcc" parts together, like all the ground parts get connected?
Vcc usually signifies the positive supply line and can be regarded as a common point wrt the gnd or Negative side of the supply........Beware tho' there are circuits that use a 3 rail supply.......+ve, 0V and -ve...
Found in circuits using op amps,(for instance) unless the op amps are biassed into using a single supply.
HTH Chip