MOTM

OK, I need to finally get off my fattening arse and order up some
parts from Mouser / Digikey to complete some work.  But there are
questions.

1) Resisters.  Seems like a no-brainer, but the someone with
half-a-brain comes along and mucks things up.  What's the difference
between carbon comp, carbon film, metal film, and metal oxide, aside
from price?  What's supplied with the kits?  And should I ever need
1/2W, or is 1/4W sufficient?  I plan on getting a kit w/ a variety of
values-- I assume something along the lines of 1.1K-100K

2) Solder.  Kester 331, right?  I really like the diameter Synthtech
supplies; what is that?  I don't remeber seeing it in my "ye olde
local parts shoppe".  And 245 "No Clean" is the "No Clean" stuff, of
course.  About how many ounces are included with a medium sized kit
(so that I know about how many jobs I can get done with a spool)?

I think I'd know the answers to these already if I could get MS
Outlook (*kick*) to search through my old mailboxes.  Oh sure, it can
open and read them, but search?  Noooo...

Alright, really, there's lots more questions.  But it's time for bed.
 More later.  Thanks for any help!