OK, so the Schengen thing

I%26#39;ve scoured the FAQ, the search function %26amp; the web for all the info I can find on this. Firstly, info is fairly evenly split between having to get all your travel done in the Schengen countries within 90 days of first entry and then being unable to re-enter until the 180 day period is up (ie enter 1 January, have to leave all Schengen countries by 31 March %26amp; unable to enter again until 1 July); or having 90 days total in any combination within the 180 days (ie enter 1 January, can stay up to 90 days in all Schengen countries in any order before 1 July). Which is it?

Secondly, trying to get my head around the actual policing of it. For those who have been there, I imagine that any time you cross from a Schengen to a non-Schengen country or vice verse is when your passport/stamps will be checked? Or are there various locations where you can cross either into or out of Schengen territory without being checked?

Finally, what are the (practical) implications of overstaying? What%26#39;s to stop you entering say 10 days before the end of your (insert correct 90/180 day period here) then spending the next 6 months exclusively in Schengen territory? Would there be any reason to be discovered as you move within Schengen territory? Would there be areas to leave Schengen territory without customs checks? Would overstaying have any implications for re-entering Schengen or non-Schengen areas?

Thanks all in advance

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