Already a big thread on this  - https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1173963.0 .   Go over though it and it has instructions or setup.   I personally like using a RPI as low power controller and there are good instruction's.

But follow that thread lot's of good advice in it.  As far as pool look at minimum payout as 1 stick is not going to pay much.  And a lot go with lotto for fun due to low pay.   But you really need to decide what type of pool your looking for.  Setup on most pools are very easy they all pretty much have good FAQ.  So use pool site for pool help, and that thread for compac and you should be set.