Tons of info in the United forum here on FT: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...leageplus-681/

Much of it isn't really geared towards newbies, but read through some of the sticky threads (or threads linked in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ster-wiki.html) and you might get a feel for how to maximize your experience with United. United's version of a "flame-free newbie thread" is this: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...14-thread.html, so they may be able to help you with any simple questions there.