2 Answers

Step by step pictures included http://howtobakeapotato.com/

Colleen

Interesting reply....

A potato may be baked in a microwave or in a standard oven.  
Wash the potato and pierce it a few times with a fork.  This allows the pressure that build within the potato as it cooks to escape; the potato would "explode" without those piercings.  
To M/W, place the potato on a M/W safe plate or on a paper towel.  Cook on high for about 4 minutes (for average-sized potato).  Turn it over and cook another couple of minutes.  I test for doneness by inserting a knife into the widest part of the potato.  My personal preference is that it be soft all the way through.  
To bake in standard over:  Preheat the oven to 350-400. I don't think it matters too much which.  Wrap the potato loosely in aluminum foil (ventilate the foil if you want).  You can also place it on a baking dish, lightly greasing the bottom so the potato skin doesn't stick.  
It takes about 30-40 minutes for the potato to bake in the oven.  I test the same as for M/W and am looking for the same softness.  
You can bake more than one potato at a time in either oven.  The time in the M/W will increase.  
A favorite restaurant salts the skin of their baked potatoes before cooking.  It adds to the flavor of the skin.  
Happy New Year. 

Colleen

Mine answer wasn't good enough? Mine has pictures : )