Explore the knowledge on the wiki.
The first 1-20 levels are hard, EQ in 1999 was a very hard game. BUT! Don't give up, as you progress it becomes more and more rewarding. The more you learn about the world the more your character will grow.
Consider everything since you're an evil race. (right click or left click & c (/consider))
If something says Threatening or Scowls, they are considered KOS, kill on sight. They will attack you.
Red = +3 or more levels higher than you
Yellow = 1-2 levels higher than you
White = same level as you
Blue = a bit lower than you
green = much lower than you
Focus on grinding blue mobs into exp and coin!
Humanoids generally drop coin and sometimes loot.
animals generally drop animal related products.
Don't give up!