1. You can ignore that. Prior to it being made public, it was an alternate method for forum members to access the file.
2. SAVE PROJECT FILE, SAVE PROJECT FILE AS and SAVE AS PORTABLE PROJECT are not exports. They are used to restore a project to VP. Mp4 is popular for export.
3. There is a monthly subscription plan availale but normally a VP purchase is for life, with free upgrades for six months. Look here.
4. Features vary, but display should be basically the same for these PC-based viewers.
6. In the first clip on the timeline there should be an f button to fade in.. To fade out, use the X (transition) button in the clip and select FADE, or any of the many transitions.
If the f isn't visible, expand the timeline horizontally using the slider near the bottom-right of the window. Drag the scrollbar at the bottom to view different timeline areas.