I suggest you start by reading at this link: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=7269.0

Then, I suggest you look at these videos:
Bitcoin Cryptocurrency Crash Course with Andreas Antonopoulos - Jefferson Club Dinner Meetup
How Bitcoin Works Under the Hood
Andreas M. Antonopoulos - L.A. Bitcoin Meetup - January 9, 2014

I wouldn't recommend anyone trade with Bitcoin until they have absorbed the info in at least the above four links.