So a call option for lest say MSFT, I dont need to approach it as if I was buying 100 shares since the contract is for 100 shares?
So an option is 100 shares or 1 contract. When you buy a call option, you are long the market. When you buy a call or put option you pay what is known as a premium.
The two major things that normally affect an option are Volatility (implied and historic volatility) and Time (time value).
Now the VIX is calculated variance from prices of different options with the same time to expiration. So volatility would affect premiums as implied volatility increases, option premiums become more expensive , especially if the underlying asset is highly volatile. As implied volatility decreases, options become less expensive. The VIX increases in a down market and the VIX increases in an up market.
This is why when buying options you should be careful since in volatile markets the underlying assets like a stock example would need to move a larger than the cost of the options for you to profit.
In the case of time value. As the option approaches its expiration date is looses value quickly. So typically most option traders sell their options when they are in the money ( current stock price is above their strike price) before the expiration date.
Or you can execute the option to buy the underlying asset at the strike price you set.
Or you can let the option expire and lose your premium ONLY but that would be dumb if you are in the money