Set the multimeter to the correct measurement type
Plug the black probe into COM
Plug the red probe into the correct input jack
Turn the dial to voltage, current, resistance, continuity, or diode mode
For voltage, place probes across the two test points
For resistance, test the component with power off
For continuity, touch probes to both ends of the circuit
For current, connect the meter in series with the circuit
Start with the highest range if the meter is not auto-ranging
Read the display
Remove probes after each test
Turn the meter off when finished