Welcome! Sounds like you're having a great time exploring the world (and dying a lot, which is part and parcel).
Definitely check these links out if you haven't already, although you might know some of it from live. Still, there are some pretty significant differences.
http://wiki.project1999.com/Players:Newbie and
http://wiki.project1999.com/Jval2529...om_Modern_MMOs
If you haven't found the wiki yet, check it out. It will become your bible.
Good luck!