I'm pretty new in terms of nice bikes (anything over $200) and had some questions. Here's some background: I will be going to OSU in Columbus, OH and commuting by bike throughout the year [maybe in rain and snow] (as well as riding in the suburbs of NJ when I'm at home). I'm 5'10" and 170 lbs. I'm thinking about getting a FG/SS because of their low maintenance and reliability. I've read as much as I can about FG/SS bikes but am wondering ...

1) In terms of the different of components needed to change a FG to SS and SS to a FG ... let me know if this is correct ... a FG needs a fixed cog + lock ring while a SS doesn't need those but only needs a freewheel, correct? And I need a flipflop hub to go between FG and SS?
2) Given the fact that I've never ridden a FG or SS bike (unless you somehow count the kids bike that can't reverse pedal and brakes/stops the back wheel when you pedal in reverse as a FG or SS), and that I will be using this bike as a commuter bike in a college campus, Columbus OH, and the suburbs of NJ ... which is better, FG or SS and why? I'm leaning towards SS because it'll allow coasting and avoid any pedals scrapping on tight turns.
3) Where do the brakes need to go for a SS or FG bike? Front or back? Or both?
4) I've never used any handlebars besides flat ones ... for you, was it difficult to adjust from flat to bullhorn or drop handlebars? And on a related note ... I assume that for flat or bullhorn handlebars use cross brakes while drop handlebars use drop brakes?
5) Drop handlebars can always be converted to bullhorn handlebars simply by cutting off the drop parts on each side right?
6) Is it reasonable to expect something like the IRO Mark V to be able to last me all 4 years of college without having any major problems (having to replace any parts for ex ... besides the tires maybe)?

I'd appreciate any help/tips I can get. Thanks!