The 5 Precepts I shall follow:

The following is the definition of the five precepts as given by Buddhanet, a fantastic website that is an abundance of knowledge on pretty much any 'style' of Buddhism, and one that I regularly visit to read many of their free e-books:

"Moral conduct for Buddhists differs according to whether it applies to the laity or to the Sangha or clergy. A lay Buddhist should cultivate good conduct by training in what are known as the "Five Precepts". These are not like, say, the Ten Commandments, which, if broken, entail punishment by God. The five precepts are training rules, which, if one were to break any of them, one should be aware of the breech and examine how such a breech may be avoided in the future. The resultant of an action (often referred to as Karma) depends on the intention more than the action itself. It entails less feelings of guilt than its Judeo-Christian counterpart. Buddhism places a great emphasis on 'mind' and it is mental anguish such as remorse, anxiety, guilt etc. which is to be avoided in order to cultivate a calm and peaceful mind."

The precepts I will be following are the core precepts found in almost every sect of Buddhism. They Are:

• To avoid taking life. This doesn't mean just humans, but also animals (who have a right to live too).
• To void taking things not given. This doesn't mean just stealing, but only taking things that you know are intended for you.)
• To avoid sensual misconduct. Again, this goes beyond Sexual misconduct (but doesn't exclude it). It also means not overindulging in sensual pleasures (such as Gluttony.)
• To avoid false speech. Not just lying, but slander, rumour spreading, and gossip too (which I never liked anyway.)
• To avoid Intoxication. Whether by drugs or alchohol. This doesn't mean you can't have a drink and enjoy yourself, I think it's more to the point where you do silly things, or (even worse) naughty things...

Now, although I have followed most of these things (at one time or another), lets be honest, we don't always (me included). Most of us, if not all, have at one time or another lied, drunk to stupor and taken things left behind (like a £1 coin on the street).
The difference is the intent behind the action. If we see a coin on the street and put it in our pocket to buy a drink, that would violate the 2nd precept. And to be fare, we all do it. After all, who's going to claim it? If you took it to the police station, they'd tell you to get lost and keep it. However, a Buddhist (I believe) would put it to good use: pick it up and put it in the poor box at the local church, or the next person asking for money.

This is how I will try to live my life over the next 6 months (or more).

My old teacher (Dave), sent me an e-mail explaining how I ought to 'try out' Buddhism. He talked about purifying the body, speech and mind. This relates back to the precepts.
Purifying the body will be done by exercising, which I do by my Tai Chi and at work (I need to do a lot of walking), a good diet without relying on meat (I've decided not to eat meat unless someone gives it to me) and eating in moderation.
Purifying the speech will be done by not telling lies, badmouthing people, gossiping etc.
Purifying the mind will be done by being mindful at all times (whilst walking, ironing, washing up, Etc). Also, I will attempt to meditate frequently. To start with, I will meditate on the breath (to help still the mind). Once my mind is calmer and not "like a gibbering monkey, swinging from thought to thought..." I will meditate on qualities such as compassion, patience, loving-kindness. I will also meditate on concepts such as death (this may sound morbid, but it is used to contemplate impermanence).