Compost bin question

I've also got one of those dalek compost bins that my dad gave me but I've not thought about using it at all and its just at the bottom of the garden out of the way. I'm a complete novice but just want to know the basics, I'm embarassed to ask really but what should I avoid putting in it, how long till its ready and I assume its ok to use when planting when ready?

Told you I'm a novice :o

 

Making the base rat proof is important as they like to burrow into them whatever you've got in there.

A few previous threads:

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/composting-recycling/31172-composting-rats-problem.html

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/composting-recycling/17547-rats-2.html

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/general-gardening-discussion/1702-compost-rats.html

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/pests-diseases-cures/32946-rat-compost-bin.html