New pilot questions

Hi, My name is Emilis I'm a new pilot. There are only two things I'd like to know before I start:

1. When you fly online, does it mean, that VATSIM software reads all inflight information form Flight Simulator program and sends to the conrtroller over the internet conncection, so controller can give me the instructions ............OR..........actual simulator program has to be connected online to create the enviroment and the flight really be online together with VATSIM software(Squawkbox or FSInn).
If it is the second option, so maybe somebody can instruct me how to connect my FSX online for a flight (not the network flight).

2. Second thing is what software everybody use for flight plannig, so I could actualy be able to print enroute chart with airways and everything.
Where to get it from?

I'd appreciate you help in advance.


Emilis