Hello; I'm a total newbie when it comes to Bitcoin and I am not a techie at all. I know that a lot of people set up huge Bitcoin mining setups with several computers and such but I really don't have the technical expertise to set one of those up. I'm wondering if there are any programs or apps that I can use on an ordinary Windows 8 laptop and phone that doesn't require a lot of crazy script-writing or anything like that? Something so that your computer can mine during idle time.
I tried using the forums search function, but it's claiming I'm making to search queries and to wait 90 seconds, even though I didn't make any previous searches.
Even with specialised ASICs it's very difficult to mine Bitcoin. I've been looking onto it for around 6 months, waiting for an opportunity. A standard laptop has no chance, it will just cost you a lot in electricity and burn out your graphics card.
Mining other currencies would be more productive, but the more established ones, such as Litecoin are probably out if your reach too.
If you want to do it to get a better understanding or for a bit of a hobby, a USB erupter would be your cheapest way, but don't expect to see a profit.
Cloud mining such as cex.io looks to be a pretty good way, but even this looks a risk to me.
Check out the mining section of the forum, there's loads of info in there that will help.