read the stickies, noob!

some freebies, though, cause i'm bored at work

1. need more details about the "simple lamp" to answer that one.
2. it all depends: strain, lighting, temps, care, etc.
3. depends on strain and when you flip the lights to 12/12. somewhere between 5-6 weeks and up to 12 weeks for the flower cycle, to say nothing about the veg cycle.
4. you cannot be certain of a seed's gender unless you order feminized seeds, or make your own.

now, go find that last answer: differences in male and female cannabis plants

you may be better off absorbing everything before you germinate, but too late for that. good luck.