BojiTyme: If you could give a newbie one piece of advice, what would it be?
Run.......................
Actually the best bit of advice has been stated....learn ALL the shots. Punch is probably the most underutilized shot at lower levels/tiers..... learn it well and you will be a better player.
Do not rush to upgrade......you will just be wasting money would be a close second (unless you have cash to splash).
Finally, and probably most important......have fun.