I have been playing this for a little while it is alittle hit and miss but dont let that deter you as I do recommend people to try it especially if you are grouped up with some friends.
I currently play on a NA server in hardcore mode (No external view, no gun aimer etc)
I highly recommend using the Six Launcher/updater to connect to the game, it pretty much does everything for you. http://www.dayzmod.com/su.php
im slowly getting to grips with this. I die a lot, mostly because i get overly cocky once i get a rifle and think im invulnerable. Sometimes i think im not built for patience play.