Learning the basics is not taught within game as most modern games would with the exception of some tip boxes, which I think is the origin of the comments above
Read this:
http://wiki.project1999.com/Players:Newbie
most important talk to people in game. Most of the eq veterans that play this server are happy to explain things about the game. Groups are harder to get going at the lowest levels, but if you start near popular areas like crushbone you can start grouping pretty early on. Don't be afraid to ask strangers if they want to group up.
here is another list of very quick tips:
http://wiki.project1999.com/Jval2529...om_Modern_MMOs