Regarding template PSD's, I understand Photoshop and how to manipulate the layers, images, text, etc. What I don't understand is once a template PSD is revised how it can be used to create HTML other than via ImageReady slicing. The only other option I can think of write the code manually which is way beyond my skills. I'm lost. Thanks.
Either method can be used. Slice and dice works but is a pain. If you download a couple of templates and look at them along with the psd files, you will see how to hard code a css file. Look at the css tutorial at w3schools.com, it's not that hard. You will be a pro in a week.