Here's a pointer that no one else has offered that applies not only to newbies.... for whatever it is worth.

Go to "preferences" at the top of the bulletin board and select (AT LEAST) 7 DAYS. Many times some very valuable information is given after several days pass, sometimes a week later, after an original post is made. If your preferences are set for only two or three days ... you're going to miss reading some of the best response posts made on this bb because you won't be able to see them.