Hidden files in OS X

[Reid Conti]

I just replaced the hard disk in my laptop, and am copying a bunch of 
files from my Linux NFS server back to the ibook.  A bunch of 
._Filename files exist, which I see are hidden resource information for 
non-HFS volumes.  Once the data is back on the ibook, is it ok to 
delete these files?  Does the OS recreate the information when you move 
it back to HFS?  Or is this a bad idea?

My hard drive replacement went very well, the online instructions were 
absolutely critical!

http://homepage.mac.com/itiburon/cybergreg/iBook500HD.html

(the pdf version on his page is more up-to-date).

thanks!

- reid