How do I use a compass to aim the satellite dish?

Hello browndaisy

First read the satellite receiver installation manual.
Physically install the dish as described in the manual.
Than connect the satellite receiver to the dish and to your television.
It is easier if you can look at the TV screen while you do the final adjustment of the dish.

You use the compass to pre-aim the dish. The (red) pointed needle points at the magnetic North. If you are in the US, you point the dish southwards (and upwards) towards the satellite you like to receive.

Now switch your satellite receiver into 'signal strength mode', and you get a bar on the TV screen. With small corrections of the dish direction get that bar as big or strong as possible. Now fix the dish properly and secure.

Note : a professional installer uses special meassuring equipment.