From a newbie's perspective, Steemit is a bit overwhelming. There are passwords, keys, permissions, tokens, and wallets with Steem, Steem Power, and Steembacked Dollars...just to name a few. Fortunately for newcomers, there are also a wealth of articles to help you navigate the steemy waters, like this one on Basic Security on Steem
First things first, you need to retrieve all your passwords and/or keys. When you first sign up, you receive an email with a super LOOOOONG password. This is your master password and it allows you to access your account. Once you're in, you should go directly to your Wallet where you will then obtain all your other passwords/keys. Steemit provides this list in a handy .pdf and its strongly recommended that you store this somewhere other than on your account. Print it, hide it, but don't - whatever you do- forget about it.
Why? Well, because you need these keys to do everything else you want to do on Steemit. Like what?
- Posting Key - This little beauty is going to be your best friend. It allows you to create posts, make comments, edit your ooopsies, vote for the posts you dig, resteem (otherwise known as reblogging) your favs, and follow or mute other Steemers.
- Active Key - This pretty little gem is for tasks that require more security. Things you aren't going to do in the open forum, like transferring funds, powering up or down, converting Steem Dollars, voting for witnesses (I don't really know what this is yet, but here's another of those nifty help articles all about it) What is a Steem Witness , updating profile details, and placing a market order.
- Owner Key - Guard this baby with your Tibetan Mastiff. It is the most powerful key you own because it can change any key of an account, including the owner key. Think of it as the Gandalf of your key collection.
- Memo Key - This tricksy little blighter is used for en/decrypting memos when you transfer funds and, apparently, in order for it to behave, you need to use the pound/# sign before it.
Take Protecting These Keys Seriously-
Steemit also has a Wallet. This is where you collect Steem, SteemPower, and Steembacked Dollars, which you can use in a variety of ways, including transferring Steem to other Steemers. There are a number of steps involved to transfer Steem, but the faithful Steemit team's got your back. How to Send Another User Steem Dollars .
You can also Power Up your Steem, which makes your votes stronger and gives you a lot more 'clout'. Think of Steem Power just like it sounds. It takes your hum-drumness and turns it into a Super Power....well, sort of, you get the idea :) Best of all, though, it's easy to do. You just go to your wallet and, using the drop-downs next to the STEEM numbers you can choose to power it up. Easy Peasy
)Yeah, there's enough going on here to make your head spin, BUT there's a wealth of knowledge just waiting for you to explore. Before you know it, you'll soon be Steeming like a pro!