"Using Apophysis Without A Clue What You're Doing - Part 1"
(An apophysis getting started micro-tutorial for new users by a new user!)
N.B. I'm not going to tell you how to save what you're doing!
1) Go to http://www.apophysis.org/ and download Apophysis (I grabbed the latest version from Sourcefourge, 2.09 - I'm using Windows just for reference).
2) Once downloaded there's no need to install - simply run the program. You get a single window with one big image, a 'File, Edit, View, etc' menu bar across the top, a button bar below that, and a column of small thumbnail images down the left.
3) From the menu bar select View > Editor. A new window opens with a big grid image on the left containing some coloured triangles, a small thumbnail of the main image from the first window (top right), a button bar along the top, and some other stuff bottom right. Move this window so you can see the first window as well.
4) Move your mouse over the coloured triangles - you'll notice they light up when you're over them, and the cursor changes depending on whether you're on a corner (O,X, or Y), edge, or inside the triangle.
5) When you're over a corner, edge, or triangle simply click and drag. The thumbnail image top right will change as you do this. When you release the mouse the big image in the main window will update (it may take a few seconds).
6) Don't try to work out how what you do is controlling the image! Just have fun and play. If you don't like what you're getting try clicking double-clicking one of the other thumbnails from the first window (hint - the least interesting looking ones are often the best!)
7) If you can see possibilities with this, then check out Claire Jones free 'Apohysis Guide V2.1' http://clairejones.deviantart.com/art/Apophysis-Guide-v-2-1-34031367
(many thanks to 'La Petite Mangue' for the introduction to Apophysis!)
P.S. there's now a part 2 to this micro-tutorial here at ShareCG too - http://www.sharecg.com/v/71565/view/3/Text-Entry-Tutorial/Using-Apophysis-Without-A-Clue-Part-2 ...