We need more details, but:

Number one rule of thumb - pick one airline and concentrate on it. The goal is to make elite status as quickly as possible, so the bonusses (sp?) kick in.

Do the same with hotels, but you can get elite with hotels faster than with an airline, so you might want to do more than one. Check out the Starwood chains - most folks here seem to think they're marginally better than the others. My hotel is Hilton - I'll be spending a nice week in Paris for free with the points I've gotten from them.

You need to hang about more - read and learn - nobody picks this stuff up overnight.

Don't overlook the credit card, too. Starwood has a deal with American Express, and Diners Club can put miles in just about any airline around.

Once you pick an airline, you might want to consider an affinity card - like an AA Visa (or whatever) - usually you get 10,000 miles or so to sign up, and 1 mile/$ after that.

You pays yer money and you takes yer choice.

And welcome to FlyerTalk!