Resolution: 1024x768 [laptop], 1600x1200 [workstation]
OS: Windows XP
Browser: Mozilla 1.4, Opera 7.11
JS: Enabled. No unrequested pop-ups allowed, though.
Cookie: default permissions.
Speed: cable at home, T3 at work
2) Flash has its uses, many times it is used when it shouldn't be, though. Menus, multimedia, etc = good. whole site = bad, in my opinion. W3 = good. Use it, be valid, be happy. If W3 is happy with your site, any browser that matters is happy with your site.
3) Here are my 2 most favorite FIRST team sites.
http://www.rage173.org/ : love the layout, content, presentation, etc.
http://www.feds201.com/ : love the information presented, organization, etc.