You're better off staying in protected zones where the 'police' can protect you, and not go too far off into foreign territory because of pirates. When mining for minerals, remember to make a checkpoint to make it easier to warp back, instead of having to do the same linear journey from where the warp-drive stops to where the actual minerals are.
I haven't played in over 4 years, so I can't really say too much about the newer version of EVE. But you're best off not acting randomers and especially killing Escape Pods. You can easily gain a bounty on your head, if you're not careful.
I'd also advice trying to make a friend of higher-experience to help you out with some missions, perhaps. Or at least for you to tag along in their's and pick up what you can scavenge from wrecks.
Also, don't steal cargos!!! I made that mistake and I ended with a bounty so high, I needed to be in 90% security. And, if 'Eve's gate' still exists, don't bother... I spent a whole week flying towards it, and nothing happened.
That's my little rant over, hope this is useful for a game I've not played in so long!
