Blogger, how do I get categories and three columns?

Go to ourblogtemplates.com for either free templates or instructions on how to design from scratch, or modify an exisiting, blogger template.

I run one of their templates on my blog and it is the best I have yet found. No dodgy links tucked away in the code and no images stuck in accounts you have to pay to upgrade after a couple of weeks. But you won't get catergories and tags as with WordPress.com as Blogger is only set up to allow labels (catergories). It is one of its downsides.

http://www.ourblogtemplates.com/

Lots of free template on the internet brother! Just search on Google ;)

You need to change the template of your blog. I googled "free blogger templates 3 column" and came up with a ton of sites that have 3 columns for free. Here is a link to a video that explains how to install the template http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42ulHLjLFM8

I have just been looking at a free WordPress theme called EzeeOne which is very flexible and does more than what you are asking. It is developed by http://www.parotkefalonia.com and on their site you can test drive it before downloading to see what it does. They are also helpful if you have any questions.