Stock Market 101: How It Works and How to Get Started

How do I pick an online brokerage?
With a little homework you'll be able to select an online service that fits your needs. Check the minimum balance and transaction charges to determine which service fits your budget. You can also investigate the reputation of a brokerage by searching online for articles and testimonials written about it.

The SEC has posted an important set of warnings about online brokerages to help you distinguish the real services from the scams. Check out What You Can Do to Safeguard Your Money and Your Personal Information to learn how to avoid getting caught in "phishing" scams.

For a general overview of how stocks trades are executed, check out How Do Stocks Trade?