This is just general info which I hope is helpful.
There are many different
poker games. As a newbie, look around a bit at the site(s) at which you play. Begin with the game that not only holds your interest, but that you like enough to stick with when the times get tough. And, I promise you, they will - because there is a learning curve ahead. During it, you will lose many games and chips, even money - and, hopefully, as you drop your newbieness, you will win your share of each, too. Like Mike Sexton, a poker host and pro said, "Poker is a game that takes minutes to learn, and a lifetime to master." So, to review, FIRST, look around, and SECOND, choose the
poker game that keeps your interest - because it may be the one you master in years ahead.
If that game, for example, is Texas Hold'em, then, THIRD, decide at what speed you want to play. Playing time=Learning time! As you start out, I caution - avoid the fast lanes. Turbo or Super Turbo games might be too fast with which to start, but they will be there when you want to try them. Stay out of Zoom until you understand what it is. It isn't hard to understand, but it is a bit of a lottery. The point is to play at your own speed, but keep a sharp eye on that learning curve. FOURTH, think about how many players you feel comfortable playing against on one table. More players means more thinking time, usually, because the other players also need some thinking time, and that gives you a little extra time to think. So, if you are up to it, and you will need to be, get used to playing against full tables because it's an unavoidable part of your poker future - especially if you want to get into the money tournaments at some time. That doesn't mean not to play the smaller tables. Why not? They play at faster speeds, and there is a lot about the game to explore - so go ahead. Sooner or later you will find a place and a speed in the game that you like.
Now, there are other things that I could say, but I have been reading some of the advice given by other contributors. Some I agree with; some I don't - but, that doesn't make them wrong or right. Each person has to choose what best works for themselves, and that is what they have done, and like myself, they have passed it on to you. Good Luck.