Please Help me with ID and IFF concepts

[Jan_Mattys]

Hello everybody.
I am new so I have a question that's probably stupid.

Yesterday I just started my first character, and after studying a bit online I decided that mining was a nice way to start and have some cash. I bought a Mining ID in Behetlem and saved enough to buy a mining transport in Pittsburg, but another player told me that without a Freelancer IFF it all was pointless. He taught me about /restart beginner, and while I did as I was told, I didn't really grasp the meaning of it, except that now I feel there's a fundamental part of the game and the community I am missing.

So, what's the point with IDs and IFF, and more importantly, their mutual relationship?

I understand that IFF is "Identification friend or foe" and is related to reputation with the various factions. It is also, I believe, the first thing that other players see about me. That is, I can have a IFF because I belong to a faction and see red, white or green other players based on my rep with their faction. Right?

What I do not understand is the following:
1- Why are IDs and IFFs related? Why do I need BOTH a Freelancer IFF and a Miner ID in order to get the bonus from mining?
2- What happens if I have a IFF and a conflicting ID? for example, allegiance to the Liberty Rogues and a Liberty Police ID? Is that possible at all?
3- If I have green reputation with two factions, how can I switch from one IFF to the other?

Simply put, is there anyone willing to take my hand and give me a quick course on these concepts (in a easy-to-understand way with few acronyms, if possible). Or at least anyone willing to point me to a helpful thread, if there's already one I can be directed to?

Thanks a lot. I really look forward to RP my way into Discovery, but I am at loss with these concepts and I really feel they are key concepts for any fullfilling experience and a good PR (also, I always feel like I am on the brink of breaking the rules without knowing it... for example yesterday I flew with two IDs for a while - Mining and Freelancer - not knowing it wasn't allowed)

Help please?

Jan

ps: if at all possible please keep it simple, as english is not my mothertongue.