Ok, I am in place on the PBW. Since it is my first time doing this and I suspect new to others as well, let me reassure you that it is very simple. As Tigga will tell you, if I can figure it out, so can your average garden vegetable.
I would suggest going to the PBW site
http://seiv.pbw.cc/ Go to the FAQs and print them out, they are very helpful. From there, try to join the game and once Mephisto says ok, upload your empire file.
Getting your empire file is easy. Just fire up SEIV and create your race. Just remember to set the racial points at 5000 at the start, or you will have to redo everything. Then save the race under your name of choice. You will need to know the directory it is in when you want to upload it.
Mephisto has very kindly set the game up so that a turn only runs when everyone has sent their turn in. This is great and will make our world a happy place. However, if anyone is planning to go on holiday, please let us know so we can get our teddy bears and go mope.