I'm relatively new to mining, as I've only been mining using a pool (Coin-o-tron) for a month and a half now, and I just did it as a lark to see if my super low hash-rate computer would do anything. 

It hasn't.  The interface displays my stats in Mh, which I'm assuming is not a good sign, especially since its in the single-digits.   

I'm thinking that the only way to mine now effectively, would be to purchase space (or re-purpose personal space in your apartment or home) to store 10 industrial-strength servers side-by-side to participate in a mining pool.  Is everybody mining in a pool?  If so, what are the most reputable ones? 

If not, how does one set up a mining operation on a single stand-alone PC. 

Another random question - does the speed of the internet connection matter?  I wouldn't think so, but I'm not 100% on this.  Can anybody comment?