There are a few advantages to playing in ring games, so be sure to exploit them.
Choose tables wisely. Look for a high see-the-flop percentage. That's your first priority. Second, look for large pot sizes. People have different opinions about stack sizes but I like playing games where a lot of people have close to the full buy-in.
Remember you can leave any time you want. If the table dries up, leave.
If a table you're on the waiting list for wants to put you in a bad seat, pass on it.
As for what to play, I like six-max. The smaller table means you can play more
hands, which attracts wilder players who like action. Also, you get to play in position (where the money is made) more often.
For a tighter, more laid back game you can play FR. I think that'd bet boring unless you had several tables going at once though, as if you're learning I think it's best to play just one, maybe two.
Check out the
Ring Game Hand Analysis section. There are lots of opinions in there. Some are better than others, but when there's conflict you could do worse than to give Tenbob and ChuckTs's opinions a bit more credit.
Also, check out the ring games in
the video section. ChuckTs has some good ones in there.
Tournaments are different in that you can leave with a profit if *nobody* busts, and the blinds don't go up, so you are not forced to act. You can sit back and choose your battles, so it's a more conservative game.
Also, should you get bad-beat by a donkey you can rebuy, keeping your position/image/reads. Plus the donkey now has more chips for you to win, and since he's up he's more likely to spew them. Just don't tilt and act dumb to get them back.