I ordered the hint/cheat/walk through guide; but, while I am waiting for that, is there a newbie guide on the forum? For example, yesterday I found a soul gem, and I have no idea how it should be used. In my inventory screen, I was unable to figure out how to get a properties view on it for more information. I also found a dragonstone too. I was going to sell it for the gold whereas I am a level 3; but, I figure that may be important and held onto it. Thanks all!

You can use the soul gem at an enchanting table and you can't sell quest items like the Dragonstone. The game will a stop you.

There's no noob guide here bit Skyrim is a very easy game to pick up. Also, if you do have any questions most of the forumers are very helpful and will pretty much always help.

The uesp.

Yep. Or just ask here, you'll get answers in a flash.

As the poster above said, filled soul gems are used in enchanting (and recharging enchanted items). However, if you found an empty one, you need to fill it first - cast Soul Trap on a creature and kill it before the spell wears out. There are different soul sizes though and without a guide you can only estimate what creature has which.

NPCs have black souls and must be captured in black gems.

My advice is to just store the soulgems for now, you will get use for them at higher levels and then you get more used to the game.

Depends what you want from playing it. If you want to RP then play it on the fly. After all, your character is supposed to be somewhat clueless and lost at the beginning anyway.