I am new to Bitcoin, how can I get started? I am new to both StackExchange and to the new online currency called Bitcoin. I understand what Bitcoin is and how it works, but I was wondering: how do you actually get started with Bitcoin? I have read some articles about mining and the different things you can do to actually get some money in profit, but none of the articles actually go into depth with how to actually do all these things. I was wondering if anyone in the community could help me and make any suggestions to me and those who want to get started in the new currency.
We get a lot of questions revolving around the questions and problems faced by
new users of Bitcoin. While some of this is beyond your question, this answer might work as a potential lightning rod for some of the questions that get asked anew here almost daily. In the following you find a few hand-picked questions that are likely of interest for new users.

What is Bitcoin?


What is a good way to concisely explain Bitcoin?
What are some good resources for understanding Bitcoin?
What's the difference between a wallet and an address?
The Bitcoin.it wiki says addresses do not carry balances...but all info suggests otherwise


Where to get a wallet?

In order to receive and send Bitcoin you need a wallet.


What is a good resource to help newbies choose their first wallet/s?
How many addresses does my wallet.dat contain? Do I need to make a new backup every time I make a transaction?


How do I get Bitcoin?


How do you obtain bitcoins?
What's a good resource explaining the best ways to buy Bitcoin (noob friendly)?


What gives Bitcoins value?


Where do bitcoins come from and what gives them their value?
How is the exchange rate for Bitcoin established?


Where can I spend Bitcoin?


Where can I go to find a list of merchants who accept bitcoins?


What skills are necessary to use Bitcoin?


What's the minimum age to join or use Bitcoin?
What software and skills do I need?


What is mining? How does it work?


What exactly is Mining?
What is the rationale behind Bitcoin mining?
Can someone explain how the Bitcoin Blockchain works?


Is Mining profitable? How can I get started?


How much Bitcoin will I mine right now with hardware X?
How can I start mining Bitcoin?
Why does mining profitability tend towards zero?
In the ASIC-age, is it worth starting mining Bitcoin at home?


How do I get started with Bitcoin.Stackexchange?


Check out our Tour for a quick overview.
Some pointers on asking questions: How to Ask
More helpful info can be found in the Help Center
If you are looking for some interesting reads, check out the most frequently asked questions
Swing by our chat: Bitcoin Lounge