When I bought my Lowrance 520 I went to the Lowrance web site and down loaded a simulator. I learned what all the button/functions were buy using the simulator on my home computer. Look and see if the Lowrance web site has a simulator for your particular model.
As for the background screen on my 520 if my memory is correct I have 3-4 different choices. I cant remember where I go to change the setting but there is a menu choice that will let me choose different background sittings...as a guess look in menu/sonar settings.