Welcome to bitcointalk.org!  This thread goes over the basics of bitcoin, so I would suggest checking it out.  Look below for more info about the forums.

Forum Tips
theymos (the forum admin) explains how to use Watchlist.  This feature makes it easy to keep track of threads you have posted in.

Sent PMs are not saved by default, to change that:
(I'm pretty sure the default does have them saved now, instructions here just in case)
Go to 'Profile'
Click 'Personal Message Options' (left side)
Check the box that says 'Save a copy of each Personal Message in my outbox by default.'
Click 'Change Profile'
It will save messages in your outbox after you send them from now on.

Please use the report feature if you think a post deserves it!  We will take action on reports.

Read up on the trust system in this thread.  If you have questions about it, ask them over here.



Other Information

• Do not trust people! Check out for some good reasoning.
• This thread has some solid security protocols.
• Don't make threads or posts solely for putting up referral links, that's what signatures are for.
• Be careful with PayPal, deepceleron's thread does a good job explaining why PayPal is bad to use when exchanging bitcoins.
• Membergroups explained - Check this thread out to learn what the icons under usernames mean.
• Want to know how to create a really secure wallet? Check out this thread for a good guide.
• There's a lot of weird terminology, this thread is a good guide.
• If you think you deserve to be whitelisted, write up a post then PM me with the link.  Messages without links (or a good reason) will be ignored.
• If you're looking for free bitcoin giveaways, check out the games and rounds subforum. WARNING: It does contain gambling as well.
  
• Forum ranks/positions (What do those shiny coins under my name mean?) check out https://bt.irlbtc.com/view/178608.0
  

Signature Restrictions:
- Newbie: No styling (including links) allowed. Max 50 characters.
- Jr. Member: Links allowed. Max 150 characters.
- Member: Unlimited length.
- Full: Color allowed.
- Sr. Member: Size allowed
- Hero: Background color allowed

Hopefully this thread helps with some of the beginner questions.  This thread will be locked to keep it clean, you can reply over here!


USELESS SPAM AND BEGGING IS LIABLE TO BE DELETED/EDITED WITHOUT WARNING!

Edit: Edited by Miningbuddy, added link to rank/position info