I've played 3, but never the origonals, which I plan on picking up soon.

I was just wondering if it's practical to think I would have a solid grasp on everything as far as the skills/special go using what I've learned from FO3?

Any general tips? I've never played a turn based RPG before, but the demo (for tactics) is awesome!

Skills and SPECIAL in FO3 can only be used to have a general idea about those of FO1 & 2, they have many differences. But no need to get overexcited and concerned about them. At least SPECIAL acronym is the same and you'll figure out what does what (common sense FTW). Just read everything, be patient, save often, you'll probably get used to the combat mechanics after your first (few) combat sequence(s).

Consult the amazing http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Fallout_Wiki or ask the community here if you have specific questions.

I looked at the Wiki, but I couldn't ind how high you can raise skill points to. Over 100 right?

http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Skill#Fallout_and_Fallout_2_Skill_Notes

Woah how did I miss that.

Anyway wow, 300. How does that work? Is there any point in maxing it all the way?

basicly it works like this skill point spending wise. >100 = 1 point to riase. When you get over 100 it costs more points to raise the skill. Tagged skills count for double points spent. So for example small arms tagged equates to every point you spend equvilant to 2 points added. Skills over 100 help compensate for difficulty and other factors for the most part. Say for instance small guns over 100 will lets you get the max (95%) hit on trick shots or long range shots. Going all the way to 300 isn't needed. However some skills are rewarded for being high but you don't need over 150% to get them.

As folks have said, read all the vaultboy "cards" that show up when you click on stats and stuff. Many of them have the exact equations used so you can know exactly what they effect, and how they work. Also in FO2 you get different dialogue depending on intel so watch what you take points from when building your character. Telling you this I really suggest trying the low intel run through at one point the dialogue is halrious at points, especially when you run inot other low intel characters in the game.

Basically only with Unarmed if you play an unarmed character.. but no other skill is woth putting so many skillpoints in it...

I would disagree. Its worthwhile with all combat skills... Shootin' someone in the eye, in the dark, is a heck of a lot easier at 180% than it is at 100%.

I'm talking about 300% (there's a perk that gives you bonus to AC based on your unarmed skill - but works of course only if you're unarmed:) )

My combat skills in Fo2 on level 46 are

Small Guns 227%
Big Guns 170%
Energy Weapons 182%

..and I have also invested quite a lot (135%) in gambling

but I'm a fast shot, which, in my opinion, is the best perk there is (for a skilled player, of course, NOT for a beginner who wants to enjoy the whole game experience) .. because with luck 10, better criticals perk & most importantly sniper perk there is no need for aimed shots anymore.. and I don't see anything better that 6 alien blaster criticals in one turn