NL newbie

[mmanne]

Hi everyone,
I've been playing limit HE for about 5 years now, and am a decent player (Up about 5K for this year). I'd like to add NL games to my array of skills. A few quick questions:
1. What's the best way to get some experience? Try some SNGs? Try some low stakes games? I generally play at Party, but if I hear that there are better games elsewhere, I'll try that.
2. I've thought some (and read some) about Post-flop play, but I'm very confused about pre-flop play. Can someone give me a few good hints on it? Are there some good books to pick up?
Thanks