How do you tighten the quick release?

Is it a standard quick release with thumb nut on one end thin spindle, and a lever on the other end?

The lever tightens/loosens the QR. Flip the lever to "OPEN", tighten till you can flip the lever about halfway with minimal tension, then flip it into closed/lock position. I like to tighten mine to about as tight as I can get it, but perhaps am over-tensioning a bit.

Generally people put the lever on the left side for both front and rear, although I like to have my rear on the right because I tow trailers a lot.

When you lock the lever, find a "safe place" for it. A few different methods. May people like the lever to come out just behind the fork, or in the middle of the rear triangle. Or straight back so it can't snag anything.