You trade altcoins as you would any other currency considering the following pointers which have helped me when I was where you are:
-Do your own homework and base decisions upon that. Don't trust anyone giving you investment-advice, like in a trollbox, as they are likely to leave you with a bag full of nothingness.
-Study japanese candlestick charting techniques, you'll find plenty sources online. Like
this one-Try to participate in airdrops as much as possible because these give you free coins which always sells for a profit, however small it may be.
-Try to be not too greedy, it will blind you.
-If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
- Limit your time spent on tradingplatforms. Sleep is neccesary for a clear head and you need a clear head when playing with money. Don't trade drunk for example.
- Don't play with money you cannot afford to lose.
I wish you good luck and a prosperous future.