The older forks used to come with boots (black covers) to keep the dust out, the new forks have better seals and stuff so the stanchions (generally silver shaft things that slide in and out of the fork legs) are left exposed. These are at least meant to be kept clean, but every so often should be lubed as well to keep it all smooth (go in and out smoothly and keep the fork working well).

Hope that makes sense.

I always knew that was the case but never thought about it that much (my old fork had the boots).

Wheel building would be quite an achievment compared to lubing a fork LOL.

Nothing like giving things a go hey, sometimes it's the best way to learn.