Blurry edges when using shape selections or eraser in PS CC

[cs5fixer]

Question #1: When using the marquee rectangular or elliptical tools, my paint tool and brush tool won't make a crisp edge. It looks feathered. My older version at work does it perfectly. I've tried adjusting all the various brush settings and can't find a solution. The only way I can get it to work is with the polygonal lasso tool which is hard to make nice curves. I'm using the hardest brush at 100%, but I've tried all the brush settings.

Question #2: I'd like to type on the bottom of a curve or circle. I have no problem with the bottom of the lettering touching the curve, but I want type at the bottom of the curve with the tops of the letters touching the curve (so they're right side up).

[cmgap]

1.  If you have the marquis rectangular or elliptical tool selected the feather setting is at the top of the window - what is the Feather selection set at? The feather setting will control the edge of the selection regardless of the brush you are working with. Try a simple test to see the results. Draw a circle with the feather setting at 0 and fill with a color, draw another circle with a feather setting at 2px tap your brush tool and fill the circle.

2.. Check out this  tut here:https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-type-effects.html