Forgive me if this sounds like a newbie question but where the heck
are
the layer controls???
(not a newbie question at all given the current state of how layers work)
The last official build (.39) did not have layer controls (and if it did, I don't know where they are).
As far as I know, for layers you'll need to be using a more recent build (the newer the better). In the current builds, there is a menu for layers with a number of controls, and some other controls (such as the layer selector) are located in the status bar.
I believe a layer dialog is due for the next official release (.40) which is due in the next couple weeks. (correct me if I'm wrong guys)
Currently, using layers isn't the easiest, especially if coming from other graphics apps and being familiar with how they function. But as stated, with this next official release the layers will be much easier to control.
-Josh