My issue is that I would like to try mining but many programs that I would like to use require QT and armory has caused me some issues as well
A little offtopic: A tip is to mine with GUIminer. Also, if you are mining with your GPU you should try mining scrypt coins (like Litecoin) with GUIminer. And if you are mining with your CPU you should look into special coins like Primecoin or Quarks. Also, you should always mine with a mining pool like Coinotron or Ypool, since the chances of finding a block yourself, even if you have relatively good hardware, are abysmal and almost non-existant.
Mining Bitcoin with standard gear often doesn't even give you enough bitcoins for the pcashout limit, and even faucets can give more.
