President Obama began the task of governing Tuesday even before his inaugural hoopla was over, taking steps both real and symbolic.

As soon as Obama was done being sworn in as the nation’s 44th commander in chief, he officially sent the names of his cabinet picks to the Senate for confirmation so that his supporting cast could get to work.

He signed the paperwork “Barack Obama” – and left out his middle initial, despite using his full name moments earlier during his swearing-in.

Obama is expected to tackle some weighty issues in his early days in office.

On his first full day in the Oval Office today, Obama will huddle with the Defense Secretary Robert Gates and his wartime commanders, including Army Gen. David Petraeus.

Obama is expected to begin laying the groundwork for pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq and refocusing on the fight in Afghanistan.

Team Obama also moved quickly to harness the power of the Web, a vital campaign tool in his White House bid.

Just moments after Obama became President at noon, his crew pulled the plug on George W. Bush’s White House Web page, replacing it with his own, much slicker version.

Whitehouse.gov now includes a blog, slideshows on past Presidents and a host of other interactive features.

“A short time ago, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and his new administration officially came to life,” said Obama’s fresh new media director and blogger in chief, Macon Phillips. “One of the first changes is the White House’s new Web site, which will serve as a place for the President and his administration to connect with the rest of the nation and the world.”

And that new portal into government also served as the spot for Obama to announce his very first move.

“Moments ago, in his first official act since taking the oath of office, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation calling on Americans to serve one another and our common purpose on this National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation,” the blog blared.