A Buff is a nanoformula which enhances your skill. For example the nanoformula "Strength Boost" will increase your Strength by 12 for 20 minutes.

There are different types of Buffs: General Buffs (which means any profession can learn and use a nanoformula), Profession Buffs (which means the nanoformula can only be executed by a profession, i.e. "Sniper's Bliss" can only be executed by an Agent), and you also have Exclusive Self Buffs (which means the nanoformula ONLY works on the caster, he or she CAN'T use it on anyone besider himself/herself).

The Basics

Your first step is to head to a shop and check EVERY general buff that would enhance the skills you use often. See what buffs you can cast on yourself, others and maybe your team...then LEARN them. After you've learned general buffs and your profession's nanoformulas you should start checking formulas from other professions....why you ask? because if another profession can enhance your skills...you CAN equip higher QL armor, weapon and items!.

I'd say at this time, the Agent Profession has the most advantage, since an Agent can use the false profession nanos to change his profession for 30 minutes and able to enhance himself with buffs which are not Agent Buffs. A Trader can buffs your weapon skill, A Doctor can buff your treatment skill, An Enforcer can buff your strength and stamina, a Meta-Physicist can increase your nano skills, A Martial Artist can increase your chances of a critical hit, An Adventurer can increase your speed by turning you into a leet temporarily...so you see, if you learn what profession can do buffs, you can ask fellow clan members if they can buff you, or perhaps ask someone nearby if they can help you out and buff you.

Keep in mind that some buffs can last a VERY SHORT time, others can last over an hour, so be prepared.