Points and Bank = Confused

I've used many forums before but I cannot figure out what I do with the points and the bank. I searched for an answer in the FAQ and elsewhere, but I still don't understand. For example, I put in a signature, but it doesn't show up in my posts, is that because I need to put points in the bank or what? Can someone explain it simply.

EDIT: Hmmm, now I see the sig, guess it takes a while to show?

Your signature will only show in posts since you entered it, not older ones as the system would have told it to not enter a sig in those posts

Points are just a fun thing, you don't need them for any regular stuff on the forum, like to buy gifts like the paw and beer you have in your profile, more info here and here

OK that explains it then, I'm used to another forum that's all.