How do you give write permissions...

In the Admin login screen, on the Templates tab, just above the list of configurable items, there is a message that reads : 'Give write permissions to the webserver on the template files!' I'm wondering how to go about doing this. I don't use Front PAge or Dream weaver or any other program, I'm a straight forward text editor person. Can someone help me out?

You will have to chmod (set permissions) the directory.
The way you do this depends on the FTP program (use the help file) you use or sometimes you can do this thru the filemanager of your hosting company.