Wow its hard to post beginner questions in this place.
All questions are welcome, although some questions might get you a good-natured ribbing.
Welcome aboard!
The shocks are rusted and have to be replaced anyway.
The important part of the shock is piston seal where the piston shaft exits the lower shock body. If the seal is leaking there will usually be oily deposits on the upper shaft where it exits the lower part of the shock. Also, worn motorcycle shocks, just like car shocks, will develop a "bouncy" ride when the dampening action of the shock is failing. When you go over a bump and the rear of the motorcycle continues to bounce three, four, five, or even more times after passing a bump in the road you know it's time for new shocks. Worn shocks will also have a tendency to bottom out more readily.