Ok, here it goes...

1. Yes, the smallest chainring up front is the easiest one to be in for climbing, or in general.

2. Yes, it works the same way as the rear derailleur, i.e. pressing the inner shifter will always move the chain to a smaller chainring or cog and pressing the entire brake lever will always move the chain to a larger chainring or sprocket.

2a. Moving to a smaller chainring in the front (with the inner shifter) will make it easier to pedal, but you will move less distance for every revolution of the cranks and moving to a larger chainring in the front (by pressing the entire brake lever) will make it harder to pedal but you will move further for every revolution of the cranks.

2b. The opposite holds true for the rear. Moving to a larger cog (by pressing the entire brake lever) means it will be easier to pedal and you'll move slower for every revolution of the cranks where moving to a smaller cog (by pressing the inner shift lever only) will make it harder to pedal but you'll move further for every rotation of the cranks.

Just fiddle with it and press the levers you've never pressed before while pedaling. You won't hurt it too badly and you'll learn how it works.