noob question

like in d3, does dex=damage for the ranger/bows? or is strength=physical damage for all classes

Mechanics are explained in this thread:

http://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/11707/page/1

Strength grants +0.5 life and +0.2% melee physical damage per point
Dexterity grants +2 accuracy and +0.2% evasion per point
Intelligence grants +0.5 mana and +0.2% energy shield per point

There is a keystone in the Skill Tree called Iron Grip that makes all STR also increase ranged damage.

Thanks for replying and i read that link, but I'm still a little hazy on some things

-does more accuracy mean more damage with a bow? or is that just for hit/miss

-also, would witch need dex for ranged damage? or is the mana what increases their damage?

-whats better: evasion or armor?

Accuracy only effects hit/miss.

Magic Damage for any character is increased by Spell Damage as you can see under Spells in the Skills section of the Mechanics thread.

Armor and Evasion is what you like. Or you can do both.