I'm a long time Call of Duty player who just recently got into Resistance 2 online.  It's pretty fun, but WOW is it different than what I'm used to.  The pace, the # of shots to kill an enemy, etc. are all vastly different from CoD.  I do alright sometimes, but I generally find it hard to stay alive for killstreaks of more than maybe 2 people.  I've occasionally gotten off a reasonable kill streak, but not with any sort of regularity.  What advice can some of you Resistance 1 & 2 online players give a newbie?

One thing I noticed in Skirmish mode is that it doesn't keep track of deaths, only kills.  Is the best strategy in that mode to not worry about how many times you die?

Use a weapon with good aim and try to take out from a distance.

It's a very different strategy from CoD4's run and gun. You need to take cover and be far away from enemies. Sniping actually works in R2. And remember, health doesn't regenerate nearly as fast.

By the way, try the co-op. It's the best part of the package by far.

I take the carbine and go in Blazing then when I get mobbed I launch a grenade and soften them up a bit. Pick off the rest as they scramble. Just don't hesitate and keep moving. You'll get better trial by error. If you enjoy the game then you'll be motivated to get better. And don't get pissed if you get killed a few times. That happens in a 60 player deathmatch.

It is really difficult. It not a twitch shooter either.

Don't run unless your objective is a long ways away. Running gives your position away on map and is irritating to the rest of your team mates.  Frag Grenades explode at about 40m away. Handy to know if you are playing skirmish.  Aim for the head.  I use carbine and pick up either the Marksman or Fareye for secondary when I find them.  Pick your berserk carefully.  I mostly use ring of life or lark/snake eyes, depending upon number of people in game. 

Competitive is awesome once you get the hang of it.  Good luck

Funny you should mention sniping.  I can't snipe for shit in CoD, but I had my best matches in R2 with the Fareye.  I still would rather fight with a more "exciting" weapon.

I use the carbine mostly, you just need to have teh skillz.

Seriously... I take my carbine and go killing... i walk around with caution to don't find groups of enemies, try to get secondary ammo and use it when you have it, grenades are also your friends, i use my magnum quite frequently too (her secondary fire rules), and the berserker can help you get the killstreak you want... honestly, i love my Ironheart and looks like i won't be changing it soon

I strongly reccommend you try ring of life. it owns ironheart

Is the armor you earn later just a cosmetic change for the look of your soldier or does it actually reduce the damage you take?

Just cosmetic, but some of them are pretty funny.