This is what I had to do in order to get FFXI to work, in prep for the beta I: 

• Bought it a year ago
• Bought a new laptop so i could actually run it
• Had my credit card declined 
• Had my moms credit card declined
• Had my moms credit card approved (thanks mom)
• Registered ID's with passwords for PlayOnline, Playonline Mail, Square Enix, Credit card security 
• Purchased content IDs
• Ran an 8 hour update download.
• Hoped to god I actually like it.

This is what I had to do in order to get FFXI to work, in prep for the beta I: 

• Bought it a year ago
• Bought a new laptop so i could actually run it
• Had my credit card declined 
• Had my moms credit card declined
• Had my moms credit card approved (thanks mom)
• Registered ID's with passwords for PlayOnline, Playonline Mail, Square Enix, Credit card security 
• Purchased content IDs
• Ran an 8 hour update download.
• Hoped to god I actually like it.

P.S. This comment is for a quest that i care about for no reason, and does anyone else play this?  11 not the beta I mean.

Oh god. It was terrible. I regret all $10 I paid for it in the Steam sale. 
 
I'm not trying to troll, but it asked me for so much information in a really terrible interface. It felt really sketchy and I really didn't want to give it my info. I couldn't really stand the controls either. I played out the 30 days and peaced. 
 
EDIT: I wish you the best of luck anyway!

It's a really solid game. Really complex and uninviting but very fun when it all 'clicks'. 
You are joining an MMO about 7 years late - you're gonna be lost but don't be afraid to ask for help, most people are nice enough and will help you out if they can. The POL system is annoying at best, and cumbersome always but you'll get used to it.  
 
Bookmark these sites and visit the second two often:
- http://windower.net/
- http://www.bluegartr.com/index.php  
- http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Main_Page 
 
Read the forums, use windower, and read up on your quests and jobs. Nothing will trump planning and knowledge in FFXI - there's very little 'skill' involved in playing, it's all about knowing when to do what.
 
As for the controls - play with a full keyboard and use the Numpad to move around. I never had a problem with it. PM me if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help you out and get you acclimated to Vana'diel.