Craft Edge

I just got SCAL as a gift for my bday. I do not know where to start. I know about using inkscape and have watch several tutorials. but here are just a few questions I have.
What are Dingbats and how do you use them, also what is the purpose of them.
I read a little about "what the font" but they are not free and not cheap.- I have a wordbook that I made in a class where the instructor had the letters on the chipboard and we cut them out by hand but I am not sure how to find what type of font it is.
Is there a way to PRivate chat with a certain member here?
If I use a SVG from someone here, when I bring it into scal, is that how I break it apart or do I need to go into inkscape first?
I have SCAL for MAC so will there ever be a point where I will need to do an update if so how is this done? I read somewhere if you do not have the correct version on your cricut you have to launch CDS, but how is this done because CDS is not MAC compatible.

And lastly for now at least, I love wordbooks so I cut the chipboard first and the paper to go over it but when I flip it over how do I cut the paper for the other side, do I put the paper on the mat backwards or is there a reverse image in scal

thanks for answers

What are Dingbats and how do you use them, also what is the purpose of them.
Dingbats are images turned into a font so if you press "A" on the keyboard instead of seeing an "A" you will see an image say a flower. Each dingbat font will be contain a similar theme for each letter of the alpha so if its a flower dingbat A-Z will all be different flowers. Dingbat do not have to be converted to svg format to use in scal.
I read a little about "what the font" but they are not free and not cheap.- I have a wordbook that I made in a class where the instructor had the letters on the chipboard and we cut them out by hand but I am not sure how to find what type of font it is.
Post a pic and maybe someone can help you, these ladies know their fonts

Is there a way to PRivate chat with a certain member here?
You can PM someone yes

If I use a SVG from someone here, when I bring it into scal, is that how I break it apart or do I need to go into inkscape first?
chances are if you got it from someone it is already broken apart you just import it into scal. If not in scal 1 you will have to break it apart in inkscape scal 2 you can do it in scal.

I have SCAL for MAC so will there ever be a point where I will need to do an update if so how is this done? I read somewhere if you do not have the correct version on your cricut you have to launch CDS, but how is this done because CDS is not MAC compatible.
You would need to borrow someone elses computer as far as I know...dont worry you can download the trial version on their computer and delete it as soon as you are done updating the firmware on your bug.

And lastly for now at least, I love wordbooks so I cut the chipboard first and the paper to go over it but when I flip it over how do I cut the paper for the other side, do I put the paper on the mat backwards or is there a reverse image in scal
yes you can hit flip and it will type backwards.

HTH