I'm still confused!

I asked the question about how to change my index page. I had a response very quickly and I followed the directions on my site and WALLA! Now I'm not sure if I just saved it or if I published it. HOWEVER, when I checked it out later I found that nothing had changed. Now I can't remember your directions. Be so kind as to tell me again. I promise I will copy and paste it to my forehead!