To Start - Plan and measure up.

Get started by measuring the area where the tile will be installed. Work out just how much tile you will need to cover your chosen area,plus at least 10 - 15% more for breakage's,chips and replacements. Then you're ready to go out and buy it. You can check online or at your local home improvement store to find the best prices,colors and designs. You will also need to buy some kind of backer board,which is usually a cement base type .The basic tools you need are such as a trowel, grout, spacers, and mortar.

Next - Backer board,your base.

Especially when you are just learning how to tile, is to measure up the backer board. Cut a piece to fit in the area you intend to cover. Then test it out before you fit it, prior to mixing any mortar. This is very important as you don't want any mortar to dry, if the backer board doesn't fit properly.

Mortar.

Place a thin layer of mortar over the area to be tiled. Let it dry, then, place a layer of mortar on the area where your backer board is going. Using a notched trowel, use the side of the trowel to create ridges. Now place the backer board over the ridged mortar and stand on it to press firmly into place. Make sure its solid by using some roofing nails or cement-board screws to secure the backer board down firmly.

Reference lines - what are these?

The next step is to create straight reference lines by using a square or other straight edge tool. If your doing a floor for example, it is very important to find the true center and work out from that point.
Why is that?
You want everything to line up true so it will look right when it is finished. If your doing the floor,you do this by finding the center of each wall. Mark that spot. Then run a chalk line to the opposite side of the room to the other center spot on the other wall. Then do the other side. Where those lines cross is the center of the area to be covered. Run a row of tiles out to one side at 90 degrees from your center spot and your away.

Laying.

At your start point,place a thin layer of mortar on a section of the backer board. Make sure to not cover up reference lines as you go. You can then press down the tile,getting it into the mortar. Place tiles onto the mortar using the small spacers,they will create space between each tile where you will later place grout.

Now - Let it dry.

Once you have finished laying your tiles, wait for the mortar to dry. At least 1 hour is needed, depending on how much mortar you used.