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I would say the easiest places to start for a beginner are to go to the browser-based wallet at bitshares.openledger.info and follow the steps there to create and fund your account (either through OpenLedger at the "Deposit/Withdraw" tab or through an exchange such as blocktrades). BTS really is an excellent project all-around!

or

  1. buy bitcoins
  2. trade them on poloniex

Poloniex may one day disappear with your funds. BitShares internal exchange can not.
That is big difference for me.

  1. bitshares.org
  2. download client (or use openledger wallet)
  3. backup wallet
  4. fund with Steem or bitcoin using the openledger gateway
  5. decentralized exchange to buy BTS