How to open a NEF file in Lightroom 3?

I want to open the NEF files my NIKON D70 is producing in Lightroom 3. The only way I found is through "Import Photos".Is what I'm looking for? I'm asking because it just imports the pictures into Lightroom without saying it they're still raw or not.

Yes, import the photos into Lightroom. Lightroom does not alter your original images. RAW files (Nikon.NEF) will remain RAW files even when you edit them. Only changes if you export them. Lightroom keeps track of all your changes in a database file - the Lightroom catalog (.lrcat file).

Ligthroom is a great program - you will enjoy it. Have fun!