Updating Permalinks

I am a new WordPress user and have recently created a new WordPress website to replace our standard HTML site. I created the site in a subdirectory and I am now ready for it to go live. I have the instructions to do this (http://codex.wordpress.org/Giving_WordPress_Its_Own_Directory) — “Using a pre-existing subdirectory install.” I understand all the steps except the 7th step on updating your Permalink structure. I haven’t started the 7-step process yet, but wanted to get familiar with each step before I begin. When I look at the Permalink page, I see no way to edit or update my Permalinks. Is this something that happens automatically when I go to the Permalinks page (assuming WordPress can write to my .htaccess file)? If so, do I need to re-save the Permalinks? Or what exactly happens in step 7? Thank you.