This tutorial will go over the basics for getting started. As the previous page mentioned, you will need to get Paint Shop Pro( or some other good graphics program), EM Editor, and some scripts to be able to make stationery. If you have not installed EM Editor then -

Click Here for instructions on how to do this

For those who are totally new to this, I will start from the very beginning.

Once you have the code, unzip it to a permanent location. It doesn't matter where, just remember where it is. Then the first rule to follow is:
NEVER EVER WORK ON AN ORIGINAL PIECE OF CODE!
So you don't screw up the orignial code. You should right click on the one you want to work on, and choose COPY, then move to somewhere else - I suggest a new folder on your desktop. Right click anywhere in your new place and choose PASTE. Your copied code will appear. Then get to work on modifying it to suite your needs.

Before you start playing with the code you should have an image that you want to use. You don't have to create an image or alter one to get strarted. There is a lot to learn right off. Where to get started is really your choice. Either start by taking graphics tutorials or get started by using some graphics you find on the web. I started by slowly by doing both. I would modify an image a little and then work it into a piece of code. The only thing I could recommend would be to start with easier scripts such as, scrolling of any type and simple backgrounds. Once you get more familiar with what you are looking for, then you can move into snow, ripples, pop-ups, post-cards and so on..