I'm looking to start running some adverts in my local newspaper. Can some give me the run-down on what to ask and what's important to know?

I know that most publications accept PDFs of ads and that they have the file requirements on their sites.

What about dimensions? How big is a column?

The specs say 1 Column by 1.833 Inches does that mean? Does that mean 1 inch (height) by 1.83 (wide)?

What does Full Run and Part Run mean?

I know that my question could be a 5 day seminar in itself, I'm just looking for the basics.

Thanks for any advice in advance!!
MikeC