ok so if i find a group then maybe worth playing and then jump solo sometimes

hard when a casual player

Solo while doable is quite difficult, i've played solo a lot and find it quite fun and challenging.

And yes, even if you play solo you can later jump in with others you find. i suggest looking at the "looking for group" forum when you decide you want to.

The character you create can be used in SP and MP and the gear you have will stay on you too. So remember that if say you want to save that particular gear for your SP game and don't wanna lose it.

Yes if the server owner is a friend or has a public server with no password. I think the public servers all have passwords now.
I can say its brilliant logging out of the solo into your server without losing your inventory and weapons and stats. Log out of server and back to your olo with the same.
As the good HAHAHuH says its on the right side. I love that name feels happy.