Checking Google Base upload is ok

I have recently enabled data feeds and Google export. I have added a few categories and products and then clicked on export to server. I have not been able to find out how this feature works. Can someone explain when it uploads, if it is either manual or automatic, how I can check the status of the upload, how i can improve and get my products higher on the search list etc… Also how can i setup a Bing and Google shopping feed? Thanks.