I am really new

hi all --

im really new to php - but not to html/css.

anyway i have a couple really basic questions.

what are blocks (i think they are little bits of php that add functionallity to gallery). is that correct? and how do you add them to your stand alone site. do the fragments of php go in the html? or eslwere. i need basic info about using this stuff. nuts and bolts of adding pre-existing blocks.

i would like to add a random picture function to my galleries top page and i would like to add a random block to my home page that is outside of gallery. i have some code but i dont know what to do with it.

http://h0bbel.p0ggel.org/gallery/block-random2.phps

also i would like to add a survey and a calendar -- can one do that with blocks?

thanx much in advance!

monty