Yeah it's pretty confusing. Awesome game though, it's almost like a space-themed Rogue game. Try running around for a while getting the hang of things, get a hyperdrive, do missions, fight people, and get better weapons.
I just picked up Flatspace last week and it took me a bit to really get a handle on it. The first thing I did was to start doing taxi and delivery missions. Then while I'm on my way to the target sector I mine any astroids I come across. I usually have a full cargo hold by the time I reach my destination. Sell all of your cargo at the trading post, then rinse and repeat until you've earned enough to start upgrading you ship. That's all I've really done so far. I almost have enough money to start upgrading my ship with defensive weapons so I don't have to jump to the next sector as soon as I'm scanned. Save and save often!
