I'm new to Twitter and I need some pointers on how to get started?

[Penny]

I've had a twitter for a while but never really used it. It was supposed to be business related but I just neglected it.
I'm used of using facebook for social networking... So this is completely alien to me.
I need help lol. No idea how it works or how to meet people on there.
I've replied to a couple people's tweets but I'm not sure if that's bad etiquette since I'm a complete stranger?
Just some basic pointers to get me started would be cool. Just cause i'm not used of it it confuses me. I'll get the hang of it eventually, i'm sure but without anyone to talk to yet it's boring at the moment.

Anyway. Any newb tips would be appreciated.
I forgot to mention that I got the search/hashtag/following people part. It seemed self explanatory when I joined. I appreciate you answering and being helpful though, =)

[Ali]

you have to search for brands people sites etc you would like to follow by searching for them.

[DoktarZues]

Twitter (by far) has the steepest learning curve and most difficult introduction. I.e., how to get friends. Honestly I think the most effective way is to "just do it." Don't be impatient and explore the features one by one. Ask yourself how are YOU seeing THEIR messages? (Like non sport/celebrity/famous people, I mean).

YES talk to strangers. You will occasionally cross paths with some stuck up teenage hipster but most people are as interested in gaining followers as you are.

Ask questions. People love questions and the Internet is mostly subject matter experts.

Follow people and "Favorite" their tweets if it's interesting in any way (including strangers). Most will follow back.

There's many more subtle things that piece together the twitter puzzle but I want to re-iterate what I said up top, just get out there and do it. It's hard work getting a decent twitter base off the ground but doable.