i just got a new credit card in the mail and i have never used a credit card before....i always use a debit card and are they just about the same? any tips that i need to know before i start using it?

Do not charge more then you can afford to pay every month. Always pay in full. Only deviate from this rule in an emergency. I.E. your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and that's the only way you can pay to have it fixed.