Layouts, need some help or a guide

I have installed the panels module, and as a result i had to install the cck, ctools, advanced help etc
I don't know how to do what i need with all of these, so i deleted the panels mod, just didnt understand that
Then i got the Composite Layout module, but i'm no sure how to use that either

What i wanted to do was have content in rows of two down the page
Can anybody give me a demo of the Composite Layout mod please?

Can i place content in rows of 2 on my main page?

Or what module should i use for this?

You'd think it would be easier to do this