Hey DMVPROF.
Welcome to the forum, and insha Allaah (God willing) - you will have a beneficial stay here. :)
First of all, theres been a big misconception about jihad ever since theres been so much attention focused on the Muslims. This confuses and actually makes alot of the non-muslims, and even some muslims fall for the propaganda that is on the media.
But like you have rightly done, instead of seeing what the anti-islamists are doing, you actually came to the muslims to find out what islam really is, so i really love that - because you're seeking the truth. Every human should have that trait, no matter what they are searching for/no matter what religion.
I'd like you to read this article a brother on the forum made, which may clear your misconceptions about what Jihad really is:
http://www.islamicboard.com/4609-post5.html
Within that, a few points that are explained are how in jihad, the following rules should be obeyed by the muslims:
1. War is to be waged only with those who encourage and engage in it.
2. Priests in churches, children, women, and the elderly must never be harmed.
3. Sown fields must not be damaged.
4. Treaties and agreements must not be broken.
5. Animals must not be harmed.
6. There must be no cruelty and torture.
7. Towns must not be destroyed
To get a basic idea about what islam, the actual religion is; please check the following site insha Allaah (God willing.)
www.beconvinced.com
Hope you have a enjoyable, yet beneficial stay here. :) Take care.
Peace.