The best thing to do for a newbie is to get a style that can be worn both ways. any good stylist can give you a style that you can spike up in the front, but if not having a good hair day or if you didn't do such a great job glueing the hairline down, wear it down with bangs.
colins style (on the toplace homepage) is a good example, it can be worn spiked up slightly in the front or combed straight down.
DebbieS.