confused

need help and more help; cannot use this site due to my ignorance of how it all works. I am guessing that "a thread" is series of comments re. some original statement or question. How does one find applicable responses to a question posted? How does one determine if a submission is current and ongoing or has "run out"? Do they run out? Hope I can learn to use this site.
And how about all those little icons on the "post new thread" page? As you may see I am relly confused. Thanks Fred
Author: admin