FINALY got it working now what

OK I finaly got the test server to work for me.  I have been patching now for about 5 to 15 mintues and about 25% done.  No I have never tested vefore and I never got to be a beta tester I only had dial-up connection.  I have DSL now  ( nice change)  Anyway.  My question is this

1. How do I test?

2. What do I look for?

3. How do I know if it's bug or just my computer acting up?

4. Am I an idiot for not already knowing all of this? 

Thanks in advance for helping me.