How to make the best out of your compact digital camera

COMPOSE:the main attraction of your picture is your subject, dont put it in the centre (you are not) an sniper shooting down a terrorist :) and try to follow(not blindly) the rule of thirds, google the term in google images to see what it is. "natural framing" and "foreground interest" are just two more rule of thumbs of composing a shot.
don't try to engage a number of subjects in a single shot, it may look clumsy and distracting.
keep your frame filled and free of distractions in the fore or background.

FOCUS: most of the compact digital cameras have autofocus systems and they generally depend on the relative contrast of the subject. focus is at its best in the wide angle and bright lights. If the light is low then its wise not to try focussing your camera with the highest zoom setting, use the wide angle. Also avoid digital zoom.use the macro mode for focussing to the near foreground and omitting the background.
you can lock on to a focus by half pressing the shutter and change your position without releasing or pressing the shutter until you take the picture.
compact digital cameras are often excellent for doing macros.

ISO set lower iso speeds (100) in outdoor photography and higher(200,400)for low light indoor conditions.

use proper white balance.

RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN :once you can master these try experimenting and be creative.