For option 1: How do I verify the slicing layer by layer as you suggested in "preview" mode. See screenshot of what I see. I don't know how I go layer through layer to see it.
For option 2: Yes, the 1st photo is how I found the printer. The printer was still on and heated (220 and 60) , the extruder just stopped moving prior to completing the print. There was no notice that the model completed, no notice at all. I printed through the USB and not SD Card. I will try saving to the SD card next. When I printed through the USB, the laptop stays on so that should not have shut down the printer, but will try with SD card.
Are there some good "getting started with your first couple of 3D prints" guidelines/instructions that I can read/see. I really have not found really any good "getting started" guides so maybe I am missing something. In particular to ensuring I am using the right settings as I tried printing an X Wing sample from Thingverse and it just kind of "melted" away leaving me to assume that I need to improve the settings.
Thank you so much!