icons on dock

hi
i am quite new to the mac from a pc background (no regrets) but recently my applications icon in the dock has changed to the same icon as contacts, i cant seem to find where i can change it back to what it should be, any ideas please

Go to your Applications folder...and drag the desired application icon from the applications folder to the Dock. The icon of the desired application should now be in the dock.

To remove undesired icons from the dock...simply drag the icon from the dock onto the desktop area...and "Poof" it will be gone.

HTH,

- Nick

Nick, I think you misunderstood.

To the OP: right click on the "Contacts" icon that's labeled Applications. Select View as Folder.