I am a beginner and don't want to risk a lot of money. Also, don't want to pay high commission fees. Is there something that I can use as a start up and learning tool, but at the same time with real potentials to grow? Thank you for your input.

Ameritrade

Im not an expert on this but I recently been looking to do the same so I have done some research. Depends also on what type of investor you want to be. Each of the major ones have their ups and down. If you going to be a small investor say 2 or 3 different stocks you can try sharebuilder.( not the best if you are doing heavy trading). I have been looking at Firstrade they seem to be the best overall.

SCOTTRADE They have the LOWEST fees. They only charge $7.00 per stock trade over $1 and there is not a minimum number of trades you must perform to get this price. There may be cheaper alternatives out there, but you might have to place over 1000 trades a year to get a lower prices. They also have all the informational tools you are looking for.

The best WWW.icicidirect.com,it is easy and simple.Once you registered,then you will be guided step by step.It also teach beginners through its customer session.Login and find yourself.best of luck.

I like the Charles Schwab site. www.schwab.com It is easy and also user friendly.

Fidelity Investments or Scottrade.

Sweetie,Use FolioFN.I have been with them since Feb. 2006 and I am so pleased.You can open a free "watch account" to trial run your stock picks and learn to use the tools available. When you're ready add a real account, add some cash, and buy your picks or buy different picks. FolioFN is clearly, to me, the most consumer oriented online service. It's perfect for beginners and long-term investors.Send me a private message if you want more info.Best wishes,pup

Sharebuilder.com offers an automatic program that invests a specific amount of money (you determine that amount) and it is invested on a given Tuesday of the month(you also determine the Tuesday) and the ivestements can grow. No inactivity fees or any BS like that.TradeKing.com offers $4.95 trades (damn low if you ask me) and they have fast execution