Sooo I need this in complete lamaence terms, I am completely new to photography and gimp. I really want to use color filters and came across Nik download. so break it down for me step by step. I am using a Mac, and I downloaded the Nik Collection....how do I open it in gimp??? this is so confusing to me. please help!

Thanks!!

Don't know exactly how it works in Mac.
Have you looked in the filters menu in gimp? Mine is below beautify and above GMIC

If this doesn't help at all, hopefully a Mac user will come along soon and give you some advice

Hi, I'm new here AND I'm a MAC User. I downloaded my McGimp at Partha's Place and followed the link there and then provided to the NIK collection. It was for free at that time. I assume you have that .DMG file, if not it should be available somewhere on the internet in an archive. (Or ask me, I saved mine) When clicked it will install all those beautiful filters as separate apps including an app to remove them (but why would you?). Once installed, open your McGimp, open an image and go to: Filters and scroll down to the NIK Collection and take your pick, play around and if you're happy with it go to the right bottom corner and click to save. The app will close and with a warning that your image will be reloaded it will show up, including the changes you made.
I hope this helps, I'm Dutch so please be patient with me!