Folder issue

I don't know of any way to change that, but have you considered using the column view instead?

 

Using icon view is extremely inefficient when you're dealing with large numbers of items in a folder. If you insist on using it and you're worried about losing your place, just use Command + double-click to open a folder in a new window... then the original window will be unchanged.

 

Or, in Finder Preferences, check Always open folder in new window
Then when you don't want that action, use cmd-click or option-click (I forget if it's the same key combo in that mode or not).