iTunes 11 on Windows 8

[Qui-Gon John]

Setting up a Windows 8 PC for my parents. My dad is a big iPod user, with lots of music. I installed iTunes 11, that I d/l on that PC. I have 2 problems.

1. I set it so the Top Menu shows, as well as the Status Bar and the left SideBar, so it is more like what he is used to. When I exit iTunes, then re-open it, the left SideBar is NOT showing. How can I get it to retain this setting?

2. How can I DISABLE automatically downloading and processing artwork for any songs imported into iTunes?

Thanks!