You can do either, personal preference. Since you're just starting out, my suggestion would be to play him manually and have a 2nd toon that is automated so you can get a feel for MQ, its settings and, like Sic said, you can test out different automation options.
I started out with kissassist, but you have to update an .ini file with spells, abilities/AAs and such, so it can be a bit overwhelming with the initial learning curve. The CWTN plugins (Sic linked mq2war for the warrior class) simplify that significantly to the point that you basically have a start/stop button with in-game checkbox options for that particular class. Those CWTN plugins are $30 per class for an entire year, but well worth it imo, or they are free to try on the Test server.