I just reference wookiepedia, although having had Star Wars reference books on your bookshelf as a kid really really helps.  If you're serious about getting a functional knowlege about the EU, you should try seeing if your local library carries something along the lines of "The Star Wars Encyclopedia" or "Star Wars: The Essential Chronology"  The Old Republic era signifigantly limits the amount of setting information to osmose though.  :)<br/><br/>You will, however, want to know who the following people are:<br/><br/>Exar Kun<br/>Freedon Nadd<br/>Nomi Sunrider<br/>Darth Revan<br/>Ulic Qel-Droma<br/>Jedi Exile