I just took my new Digital Rebel XT out of the box and read the manual, and
thought I had figured out the basics.  I have been taking some pictures with
the camera and they have come out quite nicely, for the most part.  The
problem that I can't figure out how to solve is the delay that I experience
each time I press the button.  The camera beeps for several seconds before
taking the pictures.  I can't figure out how to get rid of this delay, or
minimize it.  I have tried auto and manual focus, but it still persists.

I can't even take a photo of my house.  I wait until the street is clear,
then snap the photo from across the street.  By the time the camera actually
takes the picture, there are cars on the street and I end up taking pictures
of them, because they are between me and my house.

I am on my 3rd reading of the instruction manual, but can't figure out how
to get rid of this annoyance.

Any suggestions?