There's a lot of different IF functions, what specifically are you trying to accomplish?
For example, you can have an IF statement saying "=IF c4>60 then 'PASS'" which would make the cell you enter this is recite the word "PASS" if the cell C4 is greater than 60
I don't think that format is exactly right, but that's the idea. If you give me a more specific goal you wish to accomplish, I can probably help you more.
As for "Conditional Formatting", this is slightly different and a lot easier. You can accomplish this by going to the Home tab and looking under "styles" and clicking the "Conditional Formatting" button, and clicking "new rule". This function allows you to add cell formatting if a certain set of parameters are met. For example, you can set a color scale from lowest to highest or opposite. You can set certain colors to several different range of number. You can do all sorts of things.
EDIT: Oh, I just reread the OP, saw you already figured it out