H2G2 is huge and can be quite daunting, so here's a very basic guide to a few very basic things. There are plenty of more detailed lists out there, but this one aims to get you understanding as much as possible without confusing you by being long and dull.

Entering threads

If you're a new Researcher, then you may find many threads you'd be interested in posting in, but they're already very long, perhaps several thousand postings long. Don't hesitate to enter these conversations if there's something you want to say¹. It's a good idea to read the first few and last few postings however just so you know what the thread's about. Remeber the first 2 rules of h2g2;

Starting New Threads

This is all fairly self-explanatory, but just for the record...

Posting in Threads

Again this is fairly self explanatory, but anyway...

Friends List

If you want to add a researcher to your friends list, simply go to their personal space and click 'add to friends'. Though it's nice to have friends here, the friends list doesn't do very much. All it means is that when any of your friends writes a journal entry, the conversation will show up on your space. There is nothing o stop you from adding anyone you like to your friends list, though Researchers often like to be told you've added them.

Journal Entries

These are your own for your own purpose. Researchers generally use them to let their friends know what they've been up to both on and offsite. Remeber that what you write will show up on everyone who's added you to 'friends''s conversation list, so make sure the content is something you intend to say to them all.

¹As long as it doesn't break the house rules that is