How to set breaker points?

Could someone with intimate knowledge of setting points on a (360) small block (in my 1972 Demon without electronic ignition) please provide me with a really basic step-by-step set of instructions starting at installing the distributor and ending with loud vroom-vroom sounds?

Feel free to talk to me like a two year old... that's about how I feel after 2 days in the driveway making the car run worse and worse with every adjustment.

I want to start from zero again but can't find any "Points Setting for Dummies" books at my local bookstore...

Help!