Hi Dfreye,
To restrict one group of users to these basic functions, I would first create a User Role for that, and remove all of the other tabs/screens from this role. More information on this can be found here: http://www.method.me/cs/forums/t/3664.aspx.
Then you could either modify an existing screen to disable some features for this role, or create a new screen for this. These new/modified screens could be the only ones available for these roles.
If you would like, this sounds like a great project to involve a Method Consultant in (http://www.method.me/support/assisted-services/). If you would like to explore this possibility please speak with your account manager.
If you have any other questions please let me know.
Regards,
Russell