judy,
paddles, or flat beaters are for creaming fat and sugar together (and against the side of the bowl). whisks or whips (or wire "beaters") are for incorporating air into cream or eggs.
a wisk or whip (or wire beaters on a cheap hand-held mixer) will not give you the results you're looking for when making cookies or uncooked buttercream frostings, and will just skitter your ingredients around in the bowl.
judy 
Definitely use the paddle (flat beater)! I am now on my second Kitchenaid mixer. My first one was a classic series, just the basic mixer. I always used the wire whip with it, and I eventually burned up the motor on it. Using the wire whip on stiffer items causes the mixer to work too hard, I guess.
I now have the Pro series 6-qt. Kitchenaid, and having learned from previous experience, I only use the whip for egg whites and whipping cream!
Paddle/flat for buttercream. Whisk for royal icing.
Yep! And hook for fondant if your motor is strong enough.
Hugs Squirrelly
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