X for Annoyed Dummies

Stuff to know that's helpful when using X This is most definitely a stub ...

Why do I need to know ANYTHING, anyway, about X?
The one operating system world/monopoly is over.

Working with more than one OS
I guess I've realized that the world is not Windows-only here on campus (in CS/Engineering and elsewhere)... What complications should I be mindful of?

How do I get away from the completely blank screen?
(Not to be confused with the BSOD. This one (hopefully) has at least a big X that moves when you move the mouse.

How can I tell if there's already a 'connection' active and enabled to a server?
In linux, ps -al, S.a. jobs, kill
 * How can I tell what's running on my machine?

On Windows, be aware of services

Perhaps the Whatsrunning utility is also useful.

? What happens on Startup usually?

What's my IP (for my local machine)?
I need an IP to properly direct the output to an appropriate DISPLAY screen. Here's how I find the address/number

Do I need eXtra software (and will it cost me money)

 * Cygwin
 * Xming
 * eXceed
 * Services for unix
 * Can I work on the remote server without these?

BU specific

 * Can't I just "map a drive" to start dragging and dropping files to/from the remote machine?
 * Isn't there an Icon I can click on to get my stuff on Unix (my H: drive)?