Alright, I'm really getting messed up here,

I've been searching and searching for topics I can't find.

1.  What is the latest version of bitcoin?
2.  What is the latest version of Phoenix miner?  (I'm running 1.47)
    A.  How do I know it's a safe version?  (Not posted from some scammer)
3.  How do I know I'm connected to the bitcoin network?
Bitcoin is not firewalled, I'm generating, only 1-2 connections, but my blocks do not change?
4.  How long does it take the addnode to catch up on blocks?
    A.  How do I know the addnode thing is working?
5.  Why can't I get my BC client to receive coins without doing addnodes or something else?
6.  How come on one computer I see Generat bitcoin option but on other computers I don't have that option?
7.  How do I know I have my computer on the right port?
8.  How come all my Bitcoin transactions are big time delay?


Thank in advance for anyone whom can help.