C Structs and Typedef

Help me understand structs and typedef.

What is the difference between:
struct tag_name{ type member; }
typedef struct tag_name{ type member; } struct_alias;

Why is the tag_name optional in number 2 if there is no self-referential pointer?

When creating an instance of a struct, when do you have to use:
tag_name instance;
and when:
struct tag_name instance;
?

Is using:
typedef struct tag{} alias
making it possible to say:
alias instance;
instead of:
struct tag instance;
?

Also when is the tag needed there?
How do you create an instance of:
typedef struct {} alias

Just fucking read K&R2 and stop asking stupid quesitons.