DLL's C++ and api???

I am currently working on learning to code the windows api and coding C++.
I have one stupid beginners question. I am wondering after you create a DLL that uses C++ how to link it to your windows application exe.

you should use the lib file created togehter with the dll to link functions from the dll

Then put the DLL in the path. The current directory works (but it eliminates any small amount of free disk space you might have, copying it for every program). \windows\system32 works, too, or any other directory in the path (your compiler's bin directory is probably in there too).

Any tutorials that someone can reference me to......

http://www.ask.com/web?q=I+am+wonder...=0&o=333&l=dir