How to buy from Silk Road

1. Download and install the Tor Browser Bundle.
2. Go to the Silk Road (SR) at http://silkroadvb5piz3r.onion/ using the Tor Browser. This may take a few minutes depending on your connection. If you fail to connect just refresh the page and try again.
3. Create a SR account.
4. Go to your account page within SR and make note of the bitcoin address associated with your account. Your bitcoin address stores your bitcoins. Bitcoins are the currency used on SR. I'll explain how to get bitcoins shortly.
5. Go to the settings page within SR (http://silkroadvb5piz3r.onion/silkroad/settings) and select the "display prices in Dollars" option. Save by clicking "Update Profile".
6. Browse SR for what you're looking to buy. At the top of the page check the "Domestic only" box. This will filter your selection down to the safest listings.
7. Add the item you want to your cart. Make note of the shopping cart's total cost (don't forget shipping cost).
8. Go to https://www.bitinstant.com/. You will use this website to send bitcoins to your account.
9. Select pay to bitcoin address and enter your info. You can use fake info if you want for added security, but it's not really necessary. Make sure you send enough to cover the total cost of your shopping cart. Make sure you take into account any shipping cost and the 4% service charge from BitInstant. You might want to add a few dollars just to make sure you're covered.
10. Follow BitInstant's instructions for sending the money to your bitcoin/SR account. This usually involves going to a CVS or similar location and using the MoneyGram payment service there. BitInstant does a good job of walking you through this step. You should receive a confirmation email within 10 minutes of making the payment.
11. Wait for the bitcoins to transfer your SR account. This can take up to a few hours.
12. Once the bitcoins are in your account you can place your order.
13. Enter your name and address in the specified box on the checkout page. Don't use a fake name. Some sellers want this info encrypted, others don't care. Encryption is a bit more complicated than the rest of this guide, but I can walk through that in an edit if people want.
14. Enter your PIN and place the order. You're done! Whatever you ordered is on the way.
15. Once you receive your order make sure to finalize it on SR and send positive feedback to the seller.