Boatboy24
No longer a newbie, but still clueless.
I keep hearing about this, but haven't quite figured it out.
So, your phone's gps IDs spots where you can "collect" these cartoon characters? What do you do with them once you have collected them?
I guess (still figuring it out myself), you can 'train' them. Then, you can go to a 'gym' where your Pokémon can fight others.
Haven't read it yet, but just found this on line. Seems to be a pretty thorough walkthrough.
http://www.imore.com/pokemon-go