Crypto currencies are high risk investments. Invest only what you can afford to lose.

The lowest risk method? Hm, just buy and hold for at least a year (it's a long-term investment, not a few weeks pump-n-dump kind of coin). If you intend to sell in a few weeks, don't bother, you will lose money guaranteed.

Bter.com is the best place to buy for newbies. Download official wallet, create an account with a long random pass phrase and withdraw from bter.com to your wallet.