Dealers Tricks to Buy/Bid and Auction Etiquette

Watching auctions online or in person is fun, but becoming a participant can be confusing and intimidating, especially in person. How do I bid when sitting in the auction room? Which item are they on? Who has paddles? Who are on the phones and computers who keep calling “Here”? What tells the auctioneer where to start the bidding? Can you go to the food table and help yourself? Is it free or do you pay for food?