First time DRINKING advice?

My first time drinking will be soon and it would be very useful to have a few tips before I go in. So.. what are the basic things I should know about drinking? What is the best tasting alcohol? Best tasting beer? What is the difference between different alcohols, other than their concentration? Does taking ibuprofen before bed really help with a hangover? What are some good chasers? Thanks a lot for your time and advice :)