user7362: I am using bitcoin for the first time. Do I need to run both bitcoin-qt and guiminer to start mining? I have installed both programs and currently bitcoin-qt is running and synchronizing with network and there are around 60 more weeks to go.  
So I guess once synchronizing is done I will get a wallet? And then I can run guiminer so I can start mining in "Slush" mining pool? (I have already registered for an account and worker)  
And once synchronizing is done I can close bitcoin-qt and then just use guiminer?

user-1: To answer your follow-up comment at the other answer you received:
Your bitcoin address is where you would like to receive the reward for your mining work. Either enter the address of a charity of your choice or get your own by creating a wallet. To create a wallet, you do either need a bitcoin client (any will do), or a web service to do so (e.g. the one at blockchain.info).
Sorry for not answering in a simple comment, but I can't as apparently I have insufficient reputation to do so.

user323: If you are mining at a pool, you don't need a client to be running - the pool will provide you with all necessary information.
If you are mining by yourself, you need to run the client to know what you need to put in a new block.

7362: <p>I am using bitcoin for the first time. Do I need to run both bitcoin-qt and guiminer to start mining? I have installed both programs and currently bitcoin-qt is running and synchronizing with network and there are around 60 more weeks to go.  </p>

<p>So I guess once synchronizing is done I will get a wallet? And then I can run guiminer so I can start mining in "Slush" mining pool? (I have already registered for an account and worker)  </p>

<p>And once synchronizing is done I can close bitcoin-qt and then just use guiminer?</p>
 -1: <p>To answer your follow-up comment at the other answer you received:</p>

<p>Your bitcoin address is where you would like to receive the reward for your mining work. Either enter the address of a charity of your choice or get your own by creating a wallet. To create a wallet, you do either need a bitcoin client (any will do), or a web service to do so (e.g. <a href="https://blockchain.info/wallet/" rel="nofollow">the one at blockchain.info</a>).</p>

<p><s>Sorry for not answering in a simple comment, but I can't as apparently I have insufficient reputation to do so.</s></p>
 323: <p>If you are mining at a pool, you don't need a client to be running - the pool will provide you with all necessary information.</p>

<p>If you are mining by yourself, you need to run the client to know what you need to put in a new block.</p>
