You can use this site to learn about the equipment the various classes use, and how to acquire them.
Regular characters are the base class of character. They have access to the regular vault, where all seasonal content is transferred at the end of the season
Regular characters are able to complete missions and contribute towards the battlepass, but do not have access to the Seasonal missions, or Crucible missions.
Regular characters are also unable to find any shiny items.
For more on character types, visit the wiki
A set of self-imposed rules designed to make the game more challenging and rewarding.
Rules:
A stricter set of self-imposed rules designed to make the game more challenging and rewarding.
Rules:
As these "Rules" are self-imposed, they can be bent/broken as you see fit. Mission rewards, daily login rewards, events, and other means of acquiring gear is generally avoided, but is up to the player.
Crafting and Enchanment are more common, but again are up to the player's discretion. Typically when these systems are allowed, they are restricted to only what is acquired on the PPE/UPE (cannot use gear found on other characters to craft, etc...).