WoW: suggestions for getting started?

Hi everyone. I've finally decided to give WoW a try (after putting it
off for fear of losing my real life and I was wondering what advice
you might have for things to consider before I get started.

I'm especially curious about choosing a server to play on, because I
find that if you choose something that later turns out not to be so
good, it kind of ruins the game (at least for me) and makes me not want
to play anymore. This happened to me with EQ2.

So there's one question. I already know I will play a mage, so maybe
some pointers there as well? But I'm sure I can figure out a lot on my
own, just curious if there were any "good to know/wish I had known
before I started" comments floating around.

Thanks.