For the layout, i can do a simple template for you. then you will have just to modify it with yours images. Just give me a mockup (even in simple drawing on a paper you scan).
How do you want select the marquee? It you are in a cab i suppose you don't want to use the mouse. The Click zone you used are done for touchscreen, ligth gun, or mouse.
The way to do what you want in Atomic, is to use a Picture List that will display the marquees . And use this list in "free mode" to place the item where you want.
But as i said, do a mockup of what you would like (without considering technical limitation) , and i will do the closest for you. I'm not an artist , so i will do the technical part , then it will be up to you to change images. you can send me your mockup to my email : y o u k i @ a t o m i c f e . c o m
For the second question. The simplest to boot up to Atomic is to but a shortcut to Atomic in the Start up menu of windows.
Just go in Atomic Folder, right click on Atomic.exe , chose "copy" in the menu.
Then right click on the "start" menu of windows
choose "explore" , navigate to "program" , "start up"
right click on the right where there is nothing. And choose "paste as shortcut".
That' s all.
Then if you want hide windows boot and loogo. You can do that using bootskin. This topic on Atomic support forum talk about that.
http://spaceinvaders.7.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=789