General Tips for Playing Live Poker

Depending on the poker room, you may be forced to pay the equivalent of the big blind when you first sit at a table. If so, wait until the button passes before you post. If you choose not to wait, you will pay the blinds again, shortly after posting.
Always protect your cards - both from other players, and the dealer. Obviously, you do not want your opponents to see your cards, so be careful to shield them with your hand, and lift only one corner of the cards. You may also wish to put a chip on top of your cards, to prevent the dealer from accidentally mucking the hand.
If you need additional time to determine how you are going to act, ask for "time". This prevents others from acting behind you, before you have played. It is also better poker etiquette, as slowing the game is considered improper.
Always verbally announce what you are doing - particularly when raising. This gives you the option to add more chips without creating a "string bet".
If you aren't able to read the hands quickly, always turn your cards for the dealer to see. You don't want to inadvertently muck a winning hand.
Look at your cards once, and memorize them.