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What to know?
Basically, I want to become a Buddhist because it's the religion that makes most sense to me plus I have great interest in it. How do I become a practicing Buddhist? what do I need to do or know?
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I believe that someone is technically a Buddhist with they acknowledge and take refuge in the three jewels.
This would mean going to refuge from the Buddha, Dharma, And Sangha.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Jewels
A loose translation would mean seeking refuge from Gautama Buddha, His teachings, and the community.
Many people will say that none of us are buddhist, as it is just a label that never can fully explain what it attempts to.
A ceremony isnt required to official become a buddhist in most branches of buddhism, but i hear that there is a ceremony that can be preformed if the individual wishes.
I havent had one though, and i feel pretty darn buddhisty!
Other than that, glance over and contemplate the precepts and see what they mean to you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Precepts
The forum you are on is very helpful, and willing to help you out with any problems you may be having.
As far as being a "Practicing buddhist", i think generally one would say to start some kind of meditation and to apply the precepts and noble truths to your every day life.
Im sure some other people will have some clearer answers for you.
Welcome to the site!
My suggestion is to simply browse around this forum and start sponging in information. It's also to helpful to know about the eightfold path and the four noble truths. There is plenty of information on the internet about these subjects. I read the book Beginners Guide to the Noble Eightfold Path and found it very useful and easy to read about the main concepts of Buddhism. I still have it and am done with it, so I can mail it to you if you'd like. Many people have also suggested "Zen Mind, Beginners Mind" to be a good entry point.
Try to see it as a practice or doctrine in itself instead of 'becoming' a Buddhist too, as the state of 'becoming' necessitates that it happens in the future as a cause, and mindfulness can be found in the present. Thus, if you practice Buddhism, you can call yourself a Buddhist if you should choose to.
Oh and podcasts! A wonderful part of the internet. Zencast is great
Metta
the Four Noble Truths
the Noble Eightfold Path
the Five Precepts (at least)
Karma/Kamma
Dukkha
Nirvana/Nibbana
Impermanence/Anicca
Non-Self or Selflessness/Anatta
Dependent Origination (or Arising, or Co-Arising etc.)
Meditation, including the Jhanas
Rebirth (may be taken metaphorically and/or literally)
Becoming a Buddhist consists really of nothing more than making the internal commitment to study and to practice. Remaining a Buddhist means keeping that commitment. No ritual is required; no words must be spoken. You can if you want, though. Some people choose to "take refuge" every morning to remind them.
Here are a couple of websites that have been helpful to me:
http://www.BuddhaNet.net
http://www.AccessToInsight.org
Good luck.
and
the difference between five-aggregates and five-clinging-aggregates
I think learning about the absolute basics as others have said here, would do you well. Such as the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path and go on from there. With those two subjects alone, you'll find plenty of reading material and things you'll need to digest and understand.
More important than "memorizing" things tho, is how well you are able to incorporate them into your daily life and live the path, not just read about it.
Best of luck on your journey!
I think the most important thing is to realise for oneself what suffering really is and how one creates suffering for oneself.