There are many kinds of cryptocurrency on the internet. Most coins will be introduced on the website bitcointalk.org. This is usually the best source of information on any crypto. All coins with actual value are listed on the website coinmarketcap.com
For anyone just starting out in crypto, its recommended to try faucets. Most coins will have a website that will pay out small amounts of bitcoins over time.
One example can be found at https://thecryptochat.net/faucets.php
*This website requires sign up to visit the faucets page*
To collect these coins, youll need a wallet. The quickest way to achieve this by using an exchange website.
Here is a listing of exchanges by volume
https://www.cryptocoincharts.info/markets/info
After opening an account at any of the exchanges, you can open a wallet that corresponds to the faucet you would like to use.
Send yourself some, sell high, buy low...
Remember to enable 2 factor for security.
Trade your way up to a coin you would like to invest in.