To answer your example question, props are measured (diameter)x(pitch). For example, the 8x6 prop would have a diameter of 8", and would, in theory, move 6" foreword in one revolution.

To answer some of your other questions, this is what I used when I was first learning. Of course, I had the paper copy, but it is all the same.

http://askuri.com/RC/SIG-BRC/002.htm