easy question
 

how do i use a downloaded shader in maya? thanks

In hypergraph, choose file > import, [choose shader] and the shader will pop up in the hypergraph. Middledrag the shader to the model, or select the model, right-click the shader and choose "assign material to selection".

Remember to activate hardware texturing: shading > hardware texturing.

That should be it.

You can also move the actual shader to the shader library folder through simple cut and copy proceedures.

both of them worked! thanks!!!