Joined twitter but need help learning how to use it please?

[Unique]

Ok, I just joined the site Twitter. But the only thing i learned to do was post a tweet. i dont know how to write people, or reply...i look at other pages and i see they get personal messages from users and they reply. how do u do that? yes, i was told to click on the "@username" link on right side but i dont see it. i see updates, favorites, etc. what does that mean?

plus when they post links..it starts with tinyurl.com/blah blah blah

so as u can see...im really lost lol. can anyone break it down for me? plus add any other useful information.

thank you soooo much!