Hey, I'm pretty new to the ethereum and steemit communities but I wanted to make a quick how-to for windows mining because I couldn't find one that was super simple and straightforward when I set it up.
(Note: this is simple because you're using the exact same process I originally did. So if you want to use another mining software or pool, it won't be as helpful. Sorry about that.)
Step 1: Download a wallet and place it in a new folder on your c: drive. You'll use this for all your ethereum programs. I chose Mist but the sidebar of /r/ethtrader has a whole list to choose from. Also here is a quick tutorial on how to download and use the wallet. Watch the video, you'll feel more comfortable once you know the parts and pieces.
After the blockchain downloads, find your wallet address, you'll need it shortly.
Step 2: Get your mining software. I chose qtminer but there are several included in the link. For this tutorial though, you should use qtminer. Toss it in the folder with your wallet.
Step 3: Choose your mining pool. I chose Alpereum which I've linked.
Step 4: To begin mining through the Alpereum pool open notepad and copy the text below into it.
qtminer.exe -s usa.alpereum.ch:3001 -u 0x2E005A8D25042055BhdD64Bh65c56fhE3C042e9.WorkerName -G
Replace the long string of letters and numbers with your wallet address. Then replace WorkerName with whatever name you want. If you're using your CPU replace "-G" with "-C" and if you're not in the USA replace "usa" with either "pool" for Europe or "asia" for Asia.
Now save the notepad file as a ".bat" file and place it in the same folder as the qtminer. I saved mine as "start.bat" because that's what it does. It starts the mining process.
So click on the .bat file to begin mining.
Alpereum has some help articles about mining and another to check your worker status, hash rate, and balance.
If you want to stop mining simply hit crtl-c while the command prompt window is up. Then to restart just click the start.bat file again.
That is all you have to do.
Optional: Later to buy or sell ethereum I use coinbase
Or if you want to trade your ethereum I use Kraken but just like everything else, check the sidebar of /r/ethtrader for more options.
Hope this helps someone!
Let me know if you see a problem with the tutorial or have any questions.
Also good luck out there steem machines.