Don't worry, they are not dumb questions - anyone could have asked them.
First answer: Autopilot mode (Ctrl+A) has been obsoleted by driver commands in TRS2004 and above (it is still useful with certain driver commands though) - the shortcut still works though - and if you are using UTC or before, Autopilot mode is the only option.
Second answer: Although I do not have much experience with the L.A.R.S industries, usually the products in the L.A.R.S wagons (AFAIK) are specific unless you use a MIN (Multiple Industry New).
Shane