Depends on what you're knitting. Some you just keep going around, some you join up - like hats, sock, and some you turn. In particular, I'm gueesing people like Brat, and me, who knit a lot on circular needles - use them doing pieces that turn. I don't use them solely, but a lot. Some people find it confusing using them with work that you're turning. I don't, but it's a little tricky at first.
I was just looking at a sweater pattern in Knits yesterday - and it calls to be done on circular needles in the round, but you have to read the pattern chart differently once you get to splitting for the neckline (it's apullover with a v-neck). It's the chart reading which can be confusing, as there's one convention when you're turning the work, but if you're just knitting around it's different.
Most people have tight tension when they begin. According to my LYS owner, it's really common.
Personlly, I'm happier having a reference book with good illustrations 'cause I can always pull it out and look again while I'm knitting.
Ellice