i just bought the game less than thirty minutes ago, and im already at my wits end trying to figure out how to completely install it. im not the most tech savvy person in the world, so if you have any help (any of which would be greatly appreciated) please explain it as much as you can. thank you.
You should get a zipped file. Use a tool like winzip, winrar or 7zip to extract it and then in the resulting folder you should see a rimworld exe with the sherrif badge. Double click it. Enjoy!
Oh and by no means run it from within the zip file.
This can happen if you open the zip file like a regular folder, its a feature integrated in windows since I believe windows ME(?).
So take care to extract/uncompress the zip file, either with windows or with the tools skullywag suggested (I prefer 7zip).
If you run it from within the zip you will have some troubles with save files and maybe other troubles, so if the game behaves oddly then make sure you uncompressed it.
When everything works enjoy the game and remember "losing is fun!" :D
Also, remember that Rimworld A6 still have racist issues with not liking being run in folders with Unicode letters in their name. This one's fixed for A7, though, so worry not!
If you're still having trouble, this (http://ludeon.com/forums/index.php?topic=6432.0) should help you.