Fold or Raise? Other choices?

I've heard and read advice that it is usually better to either fold or raise than to check. This advice is VERY hard to follow in practice.


On the other hand I see recommended that, for instance, here it would be better to check, or that checking and calling down to the river is the best play.


What's a beginner to do? When specifically would it be better to either fold or raise? When is it best to check?


As an aside I have played recently in a fold or raise mode. It's hard. You really have to decide then and there if you're beat. You end up doing more folding, in my experience.


Thanks for the responses.

Greg