Mining is a complex and expensive business to get into. Newbies should try mining, but they shouldn't try to make money doing it.

Consider how you might get some gold:

1. Buy it. Not much fun, but fast and convenient (compared to the alternatives).
2. Pan for it. Fun to try as a learning experience, and you end up with a little bit of gold. Not really worth the time and expense, though.
3. Mine it. Expensive, but it's the best path to success (if you know what you are doing).

Obtaining bitcoins is the same:

1. Buy it.
2. Mine it with your computer.
3. Buy some hardware and mine it.