Applet Install

[listsurfer]

[1] Where are the required settings located for installing Cinnamon applets? I don't see them in the latest Mint Settings.
[2] How can I reduce the steps to shutting down? The icon on desktop leads to a password or must use the upper right corner. Too many steps?

[rcalixte]

[1] Where are the required settings located for installing Cinnamon applets? I don't see them in the latest Mint Settings.

Under Settings, you should be able to select Applets. (You can also right-click on a panel and select Applets.) Not all applets have settings, nor are they required, but those that do will have a selectable button next to them if they are enabled like so:

[2] How can I reduce the steps to shutting down? The icon on desktop leads to a password or must use the upper right corner. Too many steps?

I'm not entirely certain what you mean here but depending on how your system is configured, you can use a number of methods to minimize the number of steps to shutting down. Here is a YouTube video that goes into depth on various options you can setup on your system.