Instructions:

1. You need to have webspace, either paid or free, before continuing. For first time users, I usually recommend Webs.com. You can open a free account in just minutes, and it's very easy to use.

2. Once you have your webspace set up, choose your website layout. Click the 'download' link beside it to download it to your system. Make sure you save it somewhere where it will be easy to find, like your desktop.

3. The file you downloaded is in a zipped folder. You'll need to extract the files. Right click on the file and choose to 'extract'. If your operating system doesn't allow that, you may need a third party software program like Winrar.

4. Once the folder is unzipped, open it up. You'll see a folder titled 'images', that contains all or any images required for your layout. You'll also see 2 text documents. One, titled 'index' contains the code you need to set up the layout, and the other is a credit document that also contains a set of these instructions. You may see other files, such as a stylesheet. In this case, there will be special instructions in the text file that came with the layout. In any case, all files except for the README are to be uploaded to your server just as they are in the folder you downloaded.

5. Open the index file with wordpad, or any HTML editor, to edit your own information. There will be specified spaces for you to edit, such as your site titles, links and content information. Please only edit these areas! Editing anything else may not only mess up your layout, but it may be a violation of our terms and conditions. When you've added your own information, save the index file.

6. Upload the images folder to your webspace. Make sure that images on your server are in a folder titled 'images'! If not, the images will not show up, as the codes on the index page specifically call for them to be in an images folder.

7. Upload the index file to your webspace. Make sure the file extension remains HTML or HTM. (If you're more familiar with coding platforms, it's perfectly acceptable to use SSI or PHP with these layouts)

8. If you're using Webs or another similar web server, you'll be able to edit your index page from the website editor itself. This should help with updating and maintanence.

That's it. You should have a fully functional website all your own. :) Enjoy.