i downloaded a template. now what?

Here we order that, the package arrives in the mail/post and there is an install CD.

If there is a download from its maker are you telling us they forgot to detail how to install?

Tell more,
Bob

If they the file extension is .html for example, then you could just open it in a text editor such as notepad. If you are willing to learn code, that's all you need. If you need a user interface to edit those files, can Dreamweaver is one option (costs money) or you can try a different HTML editor. One free option is Kompozer.

~Sovereign

You have to know how to program a website to modify your template. Templates are made for all the major programs and are specific to that program. In your case, your template was done in Dreamweaver. I once used a template done in Front Page. I was never able to get it to load correctly. I eventually ended up paying someone to fix it.

There are several programming "languages" for lack of a better term. Most all the web was done in a language called hypertext markup language (HTML). I understand it's not hard to learn, but is like all programming, it has tons of little details. Dreamweaver, Expression Web, Front Page, Coffee Cup and several other like programs will write part of your HTML code for you. The template is another part of the code written for you. You have to learn to use the program to modify the code to change the template to your needs. I have not found the process easy. All you can do is get a book or a take a class to learn to use the program.

There are some new things that have come out over the last few years that are used for blogs. They include wordpress and joomla. It's said they are easier to learn and to modify. You can get a free blog on Wordpress.org and experiment with it. They say it's easier to learn.

The other option is to get a website at a host like Yahoo, GoDaddy or Register.com. They have templates that are free to use on their system (you have to pay for the website). Microsoft will give you a free website and make their templates available (at least they did - I can't find it now). All of them are fairly easy to use, but usually lack in flexibility. It would provide you with a website while you learn what you need to know.

So the answer to your question as I understand it is, you have to learn to use Dreamweaver to modify your template. You can get a book from the library, take a class at the local community college or possibly find some webinars that will get you started.

I haven't found another option to learning the program.

Good luck

bkay