Q: how do I get pictures from my photo stream onto my pc?

There are a few of options:

1. Set up iCloud on your PC, sign into your account and enable photo stream, as explained here: http://www.apple.com/icloud/setup/pc.html (requires Vista SP2 or higher);
2. Save them to your camera roll on your iOS device, then import them to your PC using your usb cable as explained here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4083; or
3. On your iOS device you can add them to a shared stream with the public website option enabled and invite yourself as a subscriber, as explained here:http://help.apple.com/icloud/#/mmc0cd7e99.  This option will give you a link to view your shared photos on the web from your computer browser.