I bought FO1, FO2 and Tactics recently and I started with FO1. The intro was great and I was svcked into the story. I even think the graphics are pretty good.

The only problem is combat. When I exited Vault 13, every move I make, I have to fight a group of rats. That repeats itself and I'm not even halfway out of there. Since my character is very strong but dim-witted, I have to click several times in a row so a rat doesn't even touch him.

Any tips to make combat more fun for a FO1 newbie?

Combat initiates every time an enemy spots you, that's why it repeats. It's a typical RPG introduction, "rats in a cellar/cave", to give you the basic bearings of combat gameplay -- it's bound to be boring. Later on it gets more involving as you gear up and face different enemies (and possibly have companions), and better know your way around the mechanics and tactics possibilities (aimed shots, attack types, movement or save AP for higher AC, etc). If you don't wish to fight, you can also try to run away (when you reach the exit grid of the location, combat ends).

You can also adjust combat speed from the preferences menu, that makes enemies move a bit faster.