Now I've only been playing this game for a little over 6 month so obviously, I'm pretty noob at EVE. That said here's some pretty obvious points I've found out over time:
-If you are trying this game out on trial, you should start with one of the characters with a soldier backround first. It's easiest to solo early on and you won't get bored mining as mining is only as fun as what you are going to use your minerals for and as a first time player, don't bother wasting too much time with it. Missions WILL make you ISK faster in the beginning
-missions can be boring and repetive. They are not the point of EVE, they only open up alot of good possibilities like R&D agents. You can make more money killing NPC rats outside of missions but then you miss out on things like R&D agents , which are pretty much like free ISK after you get them
-Don't join the first Corporation that asks you to. Some are much better than others and if you join a Corp with alot of Enemies you will never be safe, even in High Sec. A good one though will make the game 10 times better.
-A two week player can take out a 4 year player, as long as they are in a gang. You do not have to train months to be a tackler, someone that keeps the target from escaping. This is a position in demand from day one, unlike a game like WOW where high level players couldn't care less about new players.
-Don't fly in low sec, anything under .5, if you aren't ready to lose what you are flying. Saves alot of misery.
-Doesn't mean you can't visit, just make sure to fly something cheap when you are starting out
-Don't think spending alot of isk with no skills is going to help you gain a competitive advantage. It only gives you alot more to lose.
-Autopilot can be VERY CONVENIENT...almost too convenient. Use with care