Can any of you guys recommend the best source of information (ie Factory Service Manual , after market publication , on-line forums) for using VAG-COM to its full ability (ie reprograming settings etc)

I know the Ross-Tech website lists some of common procedures.

PS - can anyone lay their hands on a copy of a Offical Factory Manuals that cover the 2001 Octavia RS - I could do with a copy

I think you mean copies, the manual covers 7 books for the Fabia alone and i don't think that there is one specifically for the diagnostics tool as it will depend on what you are looking for.