Checkout after a change

[rublind]

I'm starting on a new project, and I only have one file in the
repository now, but I've noticed that CVS does not keep the actual file
on hand, but another type of file that keeps track of edits and
revisions. But I want to be able to use the actual file, so is it
possible for me to have a script enter a certain directory and do a cvs
checkout [to get all the actual files from that folder] so that I can
have a copy that I can actaully test on the server?

Thanks!
 -- Julian

P.S. If something is unclear [it was hard to explain what I wanted]
just ask and I'll clear it up. Thanks again.