You can use C style code for accessing the USART ( or USI for some chips ), but if you use gcc you are compiling in C++. Until you are comfortable with low-level use check out the serial class before re-inventing the wheel. The IDE won't make you write bad code, and you can still add the serial class when compiling from non-IDE compiler.
EDIT: download the latest arduino version, you get avr tool set, gcc, IDE, and serial class. ( v 1.0.1 )