Colour me interested enough to download spring and the TA thing but not sure what I need to do next.
You mean BA? If so, I guess I could try to answer your question. First off, I cant use the Spring Lobby since it wont connect, probably due to my connection speed or an updating error. So I cant fill you in there.
The first thing you might want to do is get some maps. Maps can be downloaded from here. Most maps can be used on all games using the Spring Engine.
http://www.springfiles.com/subcategory.php?id=1Oh, forgot. Put BA in your mods folder.
After that open up "spring". You can use that to test with the game and such. AI doesnt really want to work from the actual application, but you can test around with stuff by playing by yourself by 'testing" the game. When your ready to play against the AI, open the lobby(its on the spring main menu options), choose your map, mods, and add AI bots. Some of them might not work. I know the base builder one does. Its a little glitchy, but that might be because my lobby is messed up. Then you play.
When you think your ready, open up Spring Downloader and get an account. After that, you can join battles by clicking on them, if they arent locked or already battleing. Spring Downloader will also automatically download maps you dont have when you enter a game.
I think thats good enough for now. If you want some gameplay tips, just ask.