i just bought a new espresso maker and i'm having some problems with it. there is some residual water sitting on top of the espresso grinds after each shot. i'm following the directions as best i can tell. i know its not the espresso itself because it works just fine in our machine at work. i don't know if it would help to tamp down harder/less hard. is this normal or do i just have a lemon? any help would be appreciated as i am newer to the whole home barista thing.

For your particular espresso machine (Krups XP 4030), that's normal. Higher-end pump espresso machines have a 3-way valve (or solenoid) to release the pressure and allow water to evacuate into the driptray after the extraction (usually with a "woosh" sound). Yours relies on the fact that water will leech through the puck in a minute or two and relieve the pressure. If you remove the portafilter too soon on such a machine, you risk a "portafilter sneeze" and its attendant mess.

If you're new to making espresso at home, check out the site's recommended reading. They cover all the basics and beyond.

I have a Silvia and notice watery pucks almost always. Would you say that is normal on my machine, too? I've only had it a week so I expect it's my technique.

Sure, it's normal if there's extra headspace. Dosing a bit more will produce drier pucks. See Wet Puck... Grinds on shower screen and Dosing & Soggy Puck for related puckology discussions.