Steps of becoming an altcoin operator:
1) Learn to use git/github and build bitcoin/altcoins
2) Manage at least 2 nodes on 2 computers/VM/VPS
3) Bootstrap your own network by changing pnSeed, running with dnsseed disabled, irc seed disabled, and change pchMessageStart
4) Learn to make genesis block and start up network.
5) Change default p2p port and rpc port.
6) Change address version (optional)
7) Remove checkpoints, generate master key(s).
8> Cosmetic changes.
Now you can start playing with various parameter changes. Of course doing any real work from here on would require more skills and understanding of the innerworkings of bitcoin. But if you are just content with a simple clone of bitcoin/altcoins then it's done.
Good luck!