got a technics 1200 turntable

[bryantm3]

but i discovered there was no cartridge included! so i ordered a stanton 500AL cartridge. i'm afraid i'll discover that there is no needle in the cartridge!

besides that, the turntable was actually pretty difficult to set up, considering i've never had a real turntable before. any tips to help me set it up? all i've done so far is to hook it up, and then i put the platter and slipmat on, and then i put the weights on the tonearm. the instructions aren't really too clear. so i have a couple of questions:

1. will i need anything else besides a cartridge for my turntable to work?? i sure hope not.

2. can y'all give me simple instructions on how to balance the tonearm once i get the cartridge on there?

3. before i get the cartridge on there, there seem to be some odd extra parts. one is a small metal plate with two holes in it, it looks like it may be for the cartridge. the other item(s) is a small piece of wrapping paper that is taped up and has small nuts and bolts in it. what am i supposed to do with these?