schema 8.1.5

Hi all,

Have a general doubt abt default schema public in postgresql 8.1.5:

i would like to know if for every database a valid user creates, postgreSQL by default creates a public schema which is optional ?

Also is it possible to know which schema i am currently in ?

how do i set a user account to default to a predefined schema ?

i have tried :
SET search_path TO myschema;
but thats temprary setting i suppose.

so that when the user logis in and accesses a database via psql he should be able to land into his schema. how do i do that ? any tips ?

regards,
KM