Question

Is it recommended that I try this course without prior knowledge of Calculus, or Trig.? I know Trig. functions, but that is it.

Answer 1

The self-study version
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-01sc-single-variable-calculus-fall-2010/index.htm

is for calculus, so you don't need to know calculus when you start.

If you don't know much trig, you might be ok, but if you don't know trig, you may not know enough "advanced algebra"

I think the first problem set asks lots of questions that rely more on using math you should have already learned, rather than calculus. It the questions are impossible, then that is a clue.