Hi there Blueboyx, welcome to the forums mate.
I'm new myself, just joined a couple of days ago. Myself, I have chosen to follow the IMG quest, and although I am only about halfway through, it has already proven very helpful for me in terms of contracts, locations and most importantly, combat techniques. I suggest you do follow it. When you don't feel like doing any contracts, do as I do and dock on a base and engage some random ships flying around in your area. It's a great way to safely practice your combat skills. Just remember, DO NOT save the game when you're done or you will find yourself with a screwed up rep next time you log in. And don't be disappointed when you get blown to bits a lot in the beginning, I have learned the hard way (and still am) that it takes a LOT of practice to become efficient in combat.
By the way, here's a link to a guide someone else gave me just the other day, and I'll pass it along to you.
>> Here's the link << I hope it will be as helpful for you as it has been for me. Little note though, it contains information that may spoil some surprises for you in game. So it's up to you whether you read it.
I haven't joined the server yet, but I soon will. Hope to see you there, maybe we can tag along and help each other out a bit.
Clear skies!
