When someone uses Twitter as a verb, as in, "to Twitter," he's referring to someone who has a Twitter account and posts regular update messages, or "Tweets." Since it was founded, millions of people have joined Twitter to share their thoughts, communicate with friends and read the Tweets of other people.
Overview
Twitter is a social media Web site with millions of users across the world. Once you join the service by creating an account, you can post messages as frequently as you desire, as long as each message is no longer than 140 characters. You can also "Follow" other Twitter users, meaning you will be able to read their Tweets on your home page. Likewise, when others Follow you, they will have access to what you've been writing.
Signing Up
Registering for a Twitter account is free and simple. Visit the Twitter website, then enter your name, email address and a password. You can then choose a Twitter name that people will use to find you. If your Twitter name is "MyName," for example, you would tell people to follow you "@MyName."
Tweeting
To write your first Tweet, or "to Twitter," you must click on the text box located under the header "What's happening?" Here, you can write your message of up to 140 characters, then press "Tweet" to publish the message to your profile page. If you want to link to someone else's Twitter page, include her name in your Tweet. For example, "Just checked out the updates of @SamplePage." Once you publish your message, the name "@SamplePage" will become a link, allowing people to click on the name to reach the page in question.
Following
As you get more familiar with Twitter and Tweeting, you will likely want to follow other users. You can search for people's names through Twitter's search function, and click the green "+" sign on any user's page to follow him. People may begin following you, too. Once you're familiar with the basics of Twitter, including Tweeting and following, you can successfully use the site for several functions, such as connecting with friends, meeting people with similar interests and even publicizing your business.
