Download help

[Waaaghpower]

So this will seem like a really stupid question, most likely. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm interested...
Basically, how do I download and install a soft synth? I have found a couple that fit what I am looking for, but all of them require some kind of VST folder? I don't know what that is, where to get it, or how to make it work... Can someone give me a step by step walkthrough of how to install a soft synth? (I don't care which one, but whatever you show me how to install, I probably will end up using.)

[blue hell]

I'm no expert at soft synths, but as no one answers ...

VST thingies need a host to operate in, they are software plugins. There are some free VST hosts, even Winamp has some VST host functionality I think .. probably reaper (although that is no free software, just free to try it). Anyway, them VSTs then go into some subdirectory where the VST host can find them and then you use them from that host program.

Apart from that there are other programs that can work standalone .. the only synth program that I use is the Nord Modular demo .. so not much help there from me either ...

But anyways, and may the experts chime in

[PHOBoS]

no expert here, I rarely use VST's myself,. but when I do I use SAVI Host which is a very simple standalone VST host.

and

[Antimon]

And if you use sequencer/recording software like Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase etc (also known as DAWs), you can run a VST synth inside those.