It has been promised that Fallout 3 will also not be a multiplayer game. Some things like easter eggs and the story-line are enhanced by playing one before the other, but it is not necessary. It is much easier to win if you play Fallout 1 first because the interface is the same, and the items are familiar. I recommend playing Fallout 1 first as it makes the game much more enjoyable. I'll have to look into this one.
Fallout is the best RPG known to man.
No, but in Fallout 2 this has been revised and it is possible for your companions to gain abilities. You can find them here , where the action is.