IP v6 is annoying!

I know we need it, but still I can't work out how to troubleshoot my PC when my connections just don't work. With IPv4 it was so easy, but this long ip alpha numeric ip address, and how the hell does this fit into the gateway address and the subnet mask. It's beyond me. I suspect that my PC tries with my router in v6 first and when it doesn't work reverts to v4.... although to be honest I have no idea...is this a sign that I'm getting old... you know the old generation of techies...?

I guess I should read that book that's been sitting on my shelf for the last 5 years.... you know the book that has IP v6 on the title ;-)