Since you are a newbie,you should start trading with only a small amount so that the risk would also be low.First analyze the altcoin market and read the ANN thread of those coins in which you are going to invest,see its marketcap,who bigshots have invested in it and by this way,you would be able to find the most under valued coin so that you could get huge profits by investing in it.Also follow the rule,"Don't put all your eggs in one basket"Diversify your investment by investing in two or three coins so that risk of losing would be low.Don't get panic under any condition.Don't bindly follow the market and FUD and don't become weak hands by losing your coins in to the hands of big whales.