double entry and accounting equation

[Robert W. Brewer]

I'm using gnucash 1.4.6 under Linux.  It seems to be 
pretty nice for tracking my personal finances.  
I have some questions though.  I'm 
an accounting newbie, but I've been reading up on enough 
accounting lately to be dangerous.  :)  

My "Accounting for Dummies" book says that the fundamental accounting
equation is

assets = liabilities + equity

To me this seems to be how the whole double entry system works.
I read somewhere in the online help that opening balances should
be taken from an equity account, and this matches what the "Dummies"
book says too.

But when I create fresh assets and equity accounts, then transfer my
opening balance from equity to assets, I'm left with a negative equity
account balance.  Is this what I want?  I would think it should be 
positive so the above fundamental equation would be satisfied.

Thanks for your time!

-Rob
-- 
Robert W. Brewer
Jesus rules!