Okay, lots of questions.
I reccomdend making a folder called /rss, keeps everything in one spot.
To save a codeplug, in "get/save codeplug" (f3 from start) pres F7 to create an archive.
To program a spectra, you need the correct RSS, if you don't or can'y buy it, go see russia.
To make the cable,
http://batlabs.com/speccbl.html has what you need.
MAKE SURE YOUR RIB (RADIO INTERFACE BOX) has all of the needed circuts for a spectra, many clone RIBs DON'T have this. You do need it, a spectra uses almost every lil circut.
As far as programming, its rather confusing yes, if you have/had a basic knowledge of trunking it may be easier.
Any questions, PM me with them or for my MSN addy...
ta ta
rosie