Information about Ice Cream makers please?

I have just been given an ice cream maker and never having had one before have tried to find more about it. This one I think is strange as you put the bowl (which has sealed fluid in it) in the freezer for 8 hours and then put the ingredients into it to churn. I always thought that the ice-cream maker itself would freeze as it churned. I know that this ice cream maker is not the most expensive one you can buy (I am really pleased that my friend got me it, I'm not moaning about it being a cheap one please don't think that) but just wondered if anyone else has used one like this and has any tips for me.