I pre-ordered the game and am getting it tomorrow afternoon, but I'm quite a ES noob. I know I'll like it because I own many Bethesda games, and love action RPG's, but I don't really have much insight into the world of Skyrim. Could anybody on here give me some tips or advice concerning the game(e.g. character creation, general knowledge)? I'd really appreciate it.

just play it bro, everything will fall into place. maybe focus on using a sword your first time through as its the 'easiest' option for combat i guess.

In-game books are great source of TES lore. Read them

EDIT: I just realized. Are you asking about getting to know Skyrim world better or rather it's gameplay?

then prepare yourself for tomorrow.

Rogue Warrior...... Horrible game...

If you want some specific information about the lore or previous games just look at the TES-wiki http://uesp.net/

Walk into the world and just...expiriance it. its the only way to enjoy an Elder Scrolls game. its the way every first timer should go in. Everyone remembers there first time walking off the boat, or out of the sewers this will be no different

Make sure you say good bye to your friends and family first!

But seriously, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do

Both. Any help would be great.

The races in the games all have different bonuses. Khajiit are good in the dark, Argonians in the water, Imperials are decent front-line likable warriors, etc. Bonuses will become apparent at character creation. Elder Scrolls games are too huge to generalize much, but if you find a playstyle you like there are almost always companion 'skills' that can add to the effectiveness. A warrior sort may like Conjuration to summon strong weapons or an ally in a pinch. A thief would certainly approve of Illusion for trickery and perhaps Alteration for telekinesis. A mage who chews through magicka rapidly would find Alchemy of use to craft potions. Really, find a playstyle that fits you then look around for skills that would benefit.

talk to a lot of NPCs.

G4TV has a pretty good artical for new commers... read it, love it... and prepair to be amazed. http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/718234/the-world-of-skyrim-beginners-guide-to-the-people-and-places-of-elder-scrolls-5/

All you need to know is if you see an annoying Bosmer stay as far away as possible.

Kind of ironic since your avatar pic is an Argonian.

Thats cool I guess.... I know rite?

Here, http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_Wiki should have everything you need. Bookmark it, very useful.

I'd suggest trying out the game a little bit with a character, then going back and remaking another character once you know what you like to do. It really helps you build a guy you like to play with.

Otherwise, once you play through Skyrim, go get Oblivion and Morrowind: Two of the greatest games ever to be made.

I remember being an Elder Scrolls virgin. Stepping off the boat in Morrowind opened up a whole new world to me.

Just jump in and have fun. You'll figure things out as you go along, and find out a lot about the game lore as you talk to people and read books, etc.