What the best way to learn options trading, possibly with simulated account or software to create practice deals before putting my cash on the line?

start reading investment books.. bobbrinker.com has a great reading list about investments.after all your reading is done, you will be smart enough to know that Most Options Traders Die Broke!!!

Although expensive, a very good book on options is "McMillan On Options" by Lawrence McMillan. You can find it at a discount at www.half.com. McMillan has been in the options business for years.

Ask people what you want to know on yahoo answers. Ask the specific questions on option trading for the things you don't understand. Like how to read a basic options quote?, Whats the diffrence between a put and a call? How do the underlying securities affect option prices? Ask and you will recieve.Or call your local scottrade branch, they will explain it all to you free, they have nothing better to do anyway. Go to Scottrade.com