Now that the topic has been moved...
1. Yes. Check the packaging; there should be something along the lines of 'monthly fees required' or 'first x days/months free' listed.
2. If there is no printed manual, check the CD/DVD for a pdf version or readme.txt file, or something.
A quick Google search for 'Dark Age Of Camelot getting started' came up with the official site support section
Part 1 - Getting Started.
The menu on that page also lists
Account Management and Billing Support, which has a listing for new account setup (install and update the game, then create a new account from the main menu within the game).
3. Apparently the CD/DVD versions use additional (or different) copy protection.
If you have not opened the game yet, there is a 14 day trial period in the download version, so you could check out the game and see if it is worth the monthly subscription.
Wikipedia's
Dark Age of Camelot page.