How can I quickly display an image at 100%?

Double-click on the 'Zoom Tool (Z)' on the Toolbar.

Alternatively, go 'View/Actual Pixels' menu command option. (Alt+Ctrl+0 / Mac: Option+Command+0)

Is there a way to determine the exact width & height of Selections, Shapes or Paths as I draw them to the canvas? A sure way is to view the dimensions via the 'Info Palette'.

Go 'Window/Info' or hit the F8 key to open the 'Info Palette'.

Tip: Click the 'Crosshair Icon' to the lower left of the 'Info Palette' for a menu of Unit Options.

Set your desired unit option.
Then with either 'Selection Tool (M)', 'Shape Tool (U), or the 'Shape Tool/with Path Options' selected, click and drag unto your document and keep a close eye on the 'W/H' (Width/Height) integers to the lower right of the 'Info Palette'

How can I keep the default Palette & Dialog box positions and not have Photoshop remember the last user setting?

Go to 'Edit/Preferences/General' (Mac: Photoshop/Preferences/General).
Then deselect the 'Save Palette Locations' on the right hand side.

I am restricted from viewing the Help Files under Win XP with Service Pack 2 installed. How do I correct this?

For detailed instructions to correct this issue Adobe has posted a detailed techinical solution for this.
Please read more about it here.

How can I turn off Slice Badges?

Go to the 'Edit/Preferences' menu command.
Then to the 'Guides,Grids & Slices' category.
Then down towards the bottom untick 'Show Slice Numbers'.

Click 'OK' to commit Preferences changes.