Need some bike trainer guidance

Nothing much too special.  Mount the bike and make sure it's secure.  Crashing a bike trainer is one step above clipless especially as your SO is usually around to see.  

Make sure that the tensioner for the back wheel is not loose or the trainer will squeal while it slips.

 When using new tires, scrub the mold release compound off first (or just take it for a ride outside.)  The stuff melts on the roller and creates a rough ride.

 Use the skewer that comes with the trainer.  It'll scratch up your fancy ti skewer.

 Wipe your bike down after every ride indoors.  Sweat is nasty corrosive stuff.  Use a trainer net/towel if you want to go all out.  The even have one with pockets for the remote and your iPod.

 If you have a second wheel or plan to ride exclusively indoors look into a trainer tire.  They're much harder and will last longer on the trainer.  I use a Pro2Race.  I don't want the fuss of changing back and forth.   

 Try to find a room with good ventilation and claim it.  Basements with a gas furnace and gas waterheater and only a tiny little window make it less bearable.  Your SO wants you to work out there because in the "real" world, bikes and trainers are ugly and ruin the decor.  

 Get a netflix account.

 Find the biggest, strongest fan and point it at your chest during workouts.  It will still not be enough cooling.

 Lock up all firearms before starting that century ride on the trainer.  I don't know how hamsters do it!

Simple answer is just go with time for your trainer workouts and don't worry about distance. 

If distance is reallyimportant to you,

1. try the wireless signal; many computers can pickup a rear-mounted sensor signal. If it doesn't work,

2. get yourself a cheap second wired computer and just don't permanently install it. I have the wired Kurt watt computer for my trainer and just loosely run the wiring with velcro for when I'm on the trainer.