Things they don't tell you in strategy books

In regards to The Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time for Nintendo 64:
This information probably has been covered somewhere before, but the following things I have learned about the game only after a lot of cussing and fighting with the console.

1.  You must have the Hookshot and sword drawn before you can actually use them in battle.  It's not easy like other games where you can just tap a button and hit something.  No.  You have to tap a button to have him pull the sword out.  This will become an agonizing revelation when you try to kill a mussel or kill Gannondorf.  Or play Gannondorf's stupid lightning baseball game.
2.  The jump slash attack is crucial to defeating the thief lady in the thieves' village, and will be used a lot in other places, too.  It's not an optional combat move.  You literally can't progress to the end of the game without performing the right button combination.
3.  You can use either sword to deflect Gannondorf's balls of electricity.  The sword type won't matter until he transforms.
4.  You need to use the Hookshot on Gannondorf to hit him, and you need to get away when he flies up, as fast as you can.
5.  Hover boots must be equipped for the Gannondorf battle.  And you should never go downstairs to get the pots because he'll just kick your ass when you climb back up that giant obelisk.
6.  If you aim for the big black ball you see during the battle, it won't harm him at all, and he'll hurt you a lot.  Hit him instead.
7.  Take the Hookshot and fire only when he lands on the platform.  In the air, he's invulnerable.
8.  When you run out of arrows on his second transformation, roll a lot and slash the tail.
9.  When you pick up the Hyrule sword, roll between his legs, slash, and keep rolling.  Have fairy portions ready.
10.  That timer you see in the lava area isn't for you to race to a goal.  You need a red tunic.
11.  The red tunic doesn't automatically get warn when you get it.  Unlike other games.  If you see a timer, it doesn't mean the tunic got ruined by the heat.  It just means you're not wearing it.
12.  If you are confused, check with the sun. 
13.  Carry a compass to help you along.