For #1, you can turn on the macro  recorder, then do some manual
compilation by opening files, cutting, pasting, and so on. Then
examine the recorded macro to see what commands are involved. Then
you can try to modify the macro.

For #2, try:
http://www.j-walk.com/ss/excel/index.htm
msdn.microsoft.com/isv/technology/vba/default.aspx
and search the web using Google or Yahoo