Making a starter

I'd like to make a starter for my next brew, a stout, but I'm not really sure how to get the amounts I need. Mr. Malty says 1.9 billion cells, the Wyeast have 1 billion. According to Mr. Malty, 2 billion cells require a 2 liter starter...I guess i'm just getting confused, do I pitch a Wyeast smack pack into a solution of 12 ozs DME and 4 quarts water? Shake as often as I can? When should I make the starter if I'll be brewing on Sunday? Decant off the liquid?

Also, when Mr. Malty says 2 liters, is that slurry or the starter as a whole?

Thanks.

Hi,
Yes - boil the DME in 2 liters of water and then cool it before adding the yeast.

Here's an article I put together on yeast starters a few weeks ago.

Brad