info (Frustrated Shelley): what you need to know first is what type of OS you have (I assume Windows PC, if you don’t want the Mac files), which software you want to use (DAZ Studio, right?), and whether you need the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of the software. This may vary depending on your system, but on my computer if I click on the Start button, then click “Computer,” then click “System Properties,” it tells me (under the System heading, in the middle of the screen) that my “System type” is “64-bit Operating System.”
If your OS is 32-bit, you’ll definitely need the 32-bit version of DAZ Studio. If your OS is 64-bit, you’ll probably want the 64-bit version, but be aware that the system requirements are higher for the 64-bit version: http://www.daz3d.com/products/daz-studio/daz-studio-tech-specs
If your computer meets these specs and has a 64-bit OS, then I’d definitely recommend the 64-bit version of the software. Otherwise, you may need the 32-bit version (though I should say that my own system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, yet it runs the 64-bit version of DAZ Studio just fine).
Looking at My Downloadable Products (following mjc1016’s instructions above) you’ll see there are different DAZ Studio installation files there depending on whether you use a PC or Mac, and depending on whether you want the 32 or 64 bit version. Download the appropriate file for DAZ Studio. Also download the Genesis Starter Essentials (the one with trx in the filename, not the one with Poser in the filename).
After these two downloads complete, install both and you’ll be ready to start using the software.
colinmac2: you should be able to find clothing and hair in Smart Content, but if nothing is there look in the Content Library under:
DAZ Studio Formats>My Library>People>Genesis>Clothing (or Hair)
If your Smart Content is empty, try reimporting metadata: click on the little icon with the triangle and four horizontal lines like this:
>=
==
Then click “Content Database Maintenance,” then select “Re-Import Metadata.”
If that doesn’t work, there could be a problem with your Content Management Service (CMS). See this thread for details: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/viewthread/12414/ (one of many threads in the forum about this topic…it’s a common problem)
Hope this helps! If either of you need more assistance, probably the New User Help Forum is the best place to ask: http://www.daz3d.com/forums/viewforum/97/
Note: I’m not affiliated with DAZ in any way…just a fellow user trying to help out. You’ll find a lot of people like that in the forum here. 