Hi guys,

I'm new here so please don't flame me

I was doing Compute4cash but after finding out it was basically a scam, i want to start bitcoin mining instead. I used to fold and also do the WCG on my rig too.

I've read the sticky and also searched google and spent hours reading, but i still have no idea how to start.
I downloaded Bitcoin from the site and it gives me a bit coin address, is this my private address or public address? can i give this out to pooled mining sites? I also downloaded a Gui miner, and i signed up to a mining pool (BTC guild) and gave them the address that was in my bit coin app should i be doing this? if this is the wrong address, can i make a new one? how can i find my public address?

Every time i start to try and mine, i just get an error that says problems communicating with bitcoin RPC, what is that about?

The miner i am using is GUIMiner v2011-06-09 by Chris Macleod. is this what i should be running with a HD6850+core2 duo?

I am sorry for the noob questions, but i am at my wits end trying to understand how to get started and i can;t find any simple step-by-step guides.

Thnak yhou for your patience