One idea for what to do when you start. Whether you bought Horizons or the base version of ED, launch the base version (ED 64). That gives you a lighter ship that can jump further to get away from the starter system. You'll start at LHS 3447, Trevithick Dock. Don't accept the starter mission. Instead, fly straight to LTT 15574 and go to the high resource extraction site to help the cops kill the wanted guys. I did that last night and made 700k in the first 30 mins. I then uprated the SW and fitted a KWS. I went back and made another 3.5 mil in the next hour. That's enough to equip a SW for exploration to do the "Road to Riches". I only got shot at once because I targeted a ship that wasn't engaged by the feds. Even if you suck at combat, this activity is probably safer than running missions or trading.