Try "Ambience" mode for 1-4 ingame days. It will help a lot. You will learn your way around the base, memorize the map a little, and sell your first signals for points. That it is. You just work at Alpen Signal Observatory. Build your own story)
And yes, Do not upgrade you signal proccessing level until you get speed upgrades. And some stability upgrades.
Learn how to craft at your garage table(there is a little book about on table), specifically how to process raw materials—recycling trash and selling it is a great way to earn points. Be gentle with your ATV for first times, its too expensive to fix