In no particular order --
#1: If you're just running courier stuff (esp. missions), use a low slot for a Warp Core Stabilizer. It's not a guarantee, but gives you a shot at not being warp scrambled.
#2: Carebear = someone who doesn't play the game to PvP. The flipside is that PvPers are power-assertive-rapist types with serious compensation issues, and couldn't stand two seconds in a [real-life] barfight. But "carebear" is such a succinct a term. *lol*
#3: Skills make a HUGE difference. I have a bit less than one year training skills up, but chances are I could gear wee Kestrel (frigate) to wail on your Caracal. But more likely, I'd bait you, and then my buddy in the CNR would drop cloak and show you a seven cruise missile barrage. ^_^
#4: Want to get into warp ASAP? Get a more agile ship, and/or train up ship agility skills (Evasive Manuevering, Spaceship Command). If you're really paranoid, gear up for agility (modules, rigs, and skill hardwire for yourself).
#5: Consider joining a PC corporation (instead of the NPC one you started the game in). Finding people who can teach you what's what, help a LOT -- and most corps do at least some PvPing. Some are hardcore, some are just *cough* "opportunistic".
#6: Plan on losing ships. Never fly what you can't afford to lose. I lost a Raven (normal, not CNR) to L4 rats, thanks to a drone bug (of course, CCP won't reimburse). Nearly 200M incl. the modules and rigs. Was about half my assets (I play pretty casually, and I'm not super-careful about switching skill training when the last one finishes).
Hope that helps. Oh, and EVEMon might have a way to copy skills to clipboard, but honestly, you could probably just hit the highlights (who cares if you've trained some Social skill up to level 5?)