Sounds like you're at least fairly smart so I'm sure roleplaying will come easy enough. As for the rules that everyone's talking about, yeah they're pretty complicated, but you'll understand them in time. Basically, two great ideas to stick by why you learn everything else:
Don't mix and match with your gear. If you have a lawful ship, mount lawful weapons. Remember though, that not everyone is friends despite their legality. Kusari and Bretonia are at war, Outcasts and Corsairs hate each other. Don't put guns of one on the ship of the other, or whatever. Basically, to be on the safe side, if you make your junker, say, get Junker ID, Junker IFF, a Junker ship and Junker weapons. It's a little more flexible than that, but it's best to start off safe and play around later.
Only fight in self defence. The combat rules are at times, really complicated. Certain things count as leaving combat, there are rules about re-engaging, etc etc. However, defending yourself is always fine, whatever the situation. You'll pick everything up within a week or two though I'm sure.
Also, get used to like 50 new systems, and 50 new bases in the old systems. Takes a long time to remember which Omega is what.
