New to Mining, - Need Avice Picking a Pool

[Void425]

Last Night I learned about Bitcoins.  I spend all morning doing research about Bitcoins.  I downloaded Bitcoin Wallet (88% Sync so far) and GuiMiner.  These may not be the best but I think it is a start in the right direction.  Starting out with a 0 Bitcoin Balance I think I should definatly join a pool to get some bit coins generated.  Since I am so new I do still have a lot of questions:

1. Is there anything better then Bitcoin Wallet.  I am more worried about security of my coins rather then ease of use and access.

2. Is there anything recomended more then GuiMiner?

3. Which Pool/Pools are the best for someone just looking to get some Bitchange ASAP in small increments, regardless of the fees.

4. Which Pool/Pools are best after I gain a little bit of change that I do not need constant Bitchange coming in and can wait a little time between profits to save some fees.

5. Which Pool/Pools are best If I am will to wait a month or two between deposits.

6. Is it ever a good idea to go solo now If I do not mind waiting months between deposits if I avoid all fees.

I am sorry if it seems like I am asking the same question over and over, but I think each specific situation may have a different answer.

If anyone has a Voice Chat please PM me and I would rather talk because it is so much more efficient compared to forum posts, but it would be nice if at least 1 person responds to the questions on the forums so othe new people may be able to make use the of information also.  Thanks.

[RushGPU]

1. Is there anything better then Bitcoin Wallet.  I am more worried about security of my coins rather then ease of use and access.

I send it straight to btc-e.com

[Void425]

1. Is there anything better then Bitcoin Wallet.  I am more worried about security of my coins rather then ease of use and access.

I send it straight to btc-e.com

Why would you send it to someone else to hold rather then yourself?

[jonptl]

1. Is there anything better then Bitcoin Wallet.  I am more worried about security of my coins rather then ease of use and access.

I send it straight to btc-e.com

Why would you send it to someone else to hold rather then yourself?

btc-e is a bitcoin exchange, you can trade ur bitcoins for USD and other major currencies, as well as some alternate crypto currencies like litecoin.

People often transfer directly to the exchange as sometimes, transactions can incur a transfer fee. This is due to the bitcoin network. As an incentive to miners, transactions over a certain size limit are fee chargeable.

Thus,
1) Pool---->Btc-e (often pool withdrawals are not charged, as the pool is also a miner, they can include the transaction in their own blocks to prevent this charge)

2) Pool----->wallet ( no charge yet)

Wallet-----> (exchange, friend, trader etc) may incur a charge.