Started a mage, as i always tend to play stealth characters, so this is new to me, finding that i'm dying more than i prefer, magic seems really weak to start, but this isn't going put me off...
does dual casting give more survivability than 1h weapon and casting and would summoning be wise to invest in.. plus armours, what would best suit a novice mage stay with cloth or go with leather with no enhancements..

Thanks..

Just some general tips, conjuration is good and in some cases a must, some light armor can and generally is useful. I would also say get on enchanting as soon as you can...if your planning to use it. Get yourself a follower too perhaps. Lots of running around if your used to being a steath char then it's similar. Your not going toe to toe with them your running around. Can't use just destruction or if it is possible it's really hard lol. Might want to ponder illusion as well.

I'm guessing someone who knows more will be along eventually but just some advice, not sure how good it is though. =)

The basic destruction spells like flame are really weak early on. I like dual casting as you do a lot more dammage but you will need a lot of restore magic potions. I would highly recomend buyinf the master destruction robes from the mage in the college as that and a ring and amulet will make you magic last far longer and while you are there pick up a couple stronger spells for harder enemies. I would also agree with getting a follower early on. As to dual casting being more sustainable than sword and magic, long term you will do way more dammage with a maxed out weapon than most spells but with the right magic perks (I like the stagger perk for dual casting since when mixed with a good fire ball spell and some timing your enemies spend most of the time on their knees) you can do OK

Dual wielding Destruction spells is going to be really weak until you've gotten the perks (Destruction Dual Casting and Impact) that make it much better, especially Impact. You should make it a priority to get those two perks as quickly as you can.

I would absolutely plan on investing in Conjuration - you're going to need to be able to have summons do a lot of work for you on the early levels. For me, the must have early spell is Conjure Flame Atronach. It will save your hide over and over again, and it will be useful throughout the game. Try to pick it up as soon as you can.

As far as armor goes, that's really your preference. My mage character started out in robes, but did wear bracers and boots for a bit to provide some protection, at least until she leveled Alteration enough to start getting the Mage Armor perks. Just remember that your job as a mage is to keep your enemies at a distance whenever you can.

Other than that, make sure you're putting most of your level-up points into magicka on early levels, and get to the College of Winterhold as soon as you can. You can pick up some really nice mage gear by doing those quests.

As a starting mage, one of the first perks to get is Destruction Dual Casting. As soon as you are able (once you hit Destruction skill level 40) get the Impact perk. It makes most dual cast Destruction spells stagger your enemies. This is vital.

Leveling Conjuration can be a life saver. There's nothing like summoning (early on at least) a Familiar or a Flame Atronach to run intercept on Bandits and such.

Get a Follower. Since you like to run sneaky type characters, get a sneaky type follower to run with you. Early game good one is Faendal in Riverwood. Give him some armor, and keep his Bows, Arrows, and a Sword or Axe updated and you'll do great.

Join the College of Winterhold as soon as possible. They give you free Novice Robes of Destruction/Illusion/Conjuration (depends on how you answer entry chicks question as to which one you get). Plus, whether or not you immediately take on the College quest line, they still sell the best spells at the College and depending on your Skill levels decides what spells they offer to you.

For more tips, go to the search bar and search "mages gather around" and there will be a thread that has some very valuable info that will help you in your Mage career.

Hope this helps.

I would also recommend getting Illusion to 50 for the aspect of terror perk which gives a 10-15 damage boost to all fire spells, actually makes flame useful.