Shaders: What are they and how do you use them?

[DirtyDan92]

Hey I'm sorry if this is completely noobish of me, but I would really like to know what shaders are and how to make/apply them. I have a faint idea of what they do, but no idea how to make them or apply them at all. Any help would be much appreciated.

[KMan]

http://qbranch.cottages.polycount.com//tutorials/shaders-1.shtml

Take a look here.

[DirtyDan92]

Thanks for the help.