Simple - options. Check them out; there may be more that want to change to fit your way of doing things.
Click on Options (under Home) and then Default Pattern Settings.
The display then shows the default options - stitch by (either inches or stitches), the default starting size of a new pattern (you change for each pattern as needed), the default count of the design (default is 14 and the checkmark for square grid is set), and the default color.
By default, the software assumes a square grid but if that is not so, you can change it by unclicking the option and giving both horizontal and vertical count.
All of the options can be changed pattern by pattern but this is what is "assumed" when you click for a new pattern.
I'm not sure exactly what you are asking. When you hover over any box, that box's position is listed (relative to the top left corner) is shown at the bottom of the window (along with the color code of the current floss color).
Home --> Options --> Design Screen [Default Design Screen Settings] --> Rulers Unit of Measure. Change this (on the drop-down menu) from “System Default” to “Numbers”. This will display line numbers (by tens) instead of the ruler.
I have version 11.
I came to the forum with the same question as vicki518. I want the design screen to show the line numbers the same as the printed chart does -- not the ruler, which is the default. Diane's answer got me most of the way ;)