> 1. how do i check what version of directx i have? can i use the same directx that the other windows versions use?

Read your Windows docs.

> 2. how do i increase the number of windows i can open at the same time without them collapsing into one thing at the bottom of the screen that i have to click on and then pick from the list of windows?

Read more Windows docs or try to find out yourself.

> btw Olaf in case you're wondering why i don't have the link to my site on here, it's because i can't remember where to put it.

In the link field maybe?