Flight Sim Beginner Questions

[facepoppies]

Hi! So, this is my first flight sim. I bought the game last night from JustFlight.com, and I'm going to play it for the first time after work today.

I've been reading a lot about trackir, and while it looks cool I simply don't have the budget to spend 150 bucks on something for one game.

Is there another way for me to look around the cockpit? Can I use my mouse to look around while I click on switches and stuff?

Also, I do have a Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick. Will this stick be adequate for flying?

And, lastly, I have no idea what I'm doing. Where can I find a good resource for teaching somebody who doesn't know where to put in the turn signal fluid how to fly a plane in this game? Or are the training missions good enough to get me going?

Whew. Thanks!