Actions

How do I use photoshop actions? How do I install new ones?

really easy, download one and put it in the actions folder, there is a little arrow on the action window, click it and press load action.

Using actions, it depends. Mostly press the play button and the action will run and you will end up with the result. But somethimes you already have to have an image open or somthing else.

(should be in the manual though)

another thing about actions is that they are good tutorials for learning text effect, textures. They are great step-by-step tutorials.

i mean, you open an action and they you see everything it will do when you press play, including filter settings, hue/saturation values etc. So all you have to do is follow all the steps.