For a really simple 'get you up & running testing a stepper nice & quick', it's really handy to have one of these in your component tray...

http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/data...stems/5804.pdf


They don't make 'em anymore so they're getting a little scarce, but still available here...

http://www.cricklewoodelectronics.co...0&cat=0&page=1

Pin 11 is the step input - switch that pin low/high - your steppers move. Job done.