fast user switching/mail/Home page

I have three questions, im new to OS-X so just trying to fixa few things I have run across, thanks in advance.

1. How do I enable fast user switching. I have an account on my mini and my wife does. Now I have to log out and she can log in, how do we enable the rotating cube, fast user switching?

2. Also, in .mac mail. I have to go to the top and hit the drop down "mailbox" heading to go between my inbox,sent items, outbox etc. Is there a way to have a menu on the left side, so I can see all my mailboxes all the time? or toggle tru them with out going to the top and selecting each one.

Last Q:
3. On Safari, How do I instantly go back to my home page. On I.E you hit the home icon, but in safari I cant seem to get back to my startpage/hompage.


thanks guys/gals

trout

 

thank you so much, your the best.
trout