The switch to C++

Hello,

Out of general programming curiosity (I'm in the proces of learning C++),
I hope that someone will be kind and comment on:

1. What were the main reasons for the switch from C to C++?
2. Have the reasons proven to be valid?
3. Do you use STL? If not: Why?
4. Do you use exceptions? If not: Why?
5. Has the switch to C++ made the code more portable?
6. Do you use templates? - In that case: Where may I see
   good examples of their use in the code base?

Thanks in advance.

-- 
Greetings from Troels Arvin, Copenhagen, Denmark