Kinda scared posting this

because I really don't wanna come across as a complete newb,idiot, but I'm swallowing my pride and here I go.
First off, I just found out covers has an investments forum. I'm a huge fan of covers and have been using it for years for not only tips but entertainment.
Here's my situation:
I have ab out 7500.00 that I'd like to invest in the investment game.  I DON"T have an online account.  I don't have a broker, and I don't even have any friends to pick the brains of.
I'm basically a software programmer who has always wanted to learn about investing and have procrastinated until now.  Now that I know I can hang in this forum and read all the begining tutorials and advice, I'm ready to begin.
My question is:
If you were in my shoes....
What steps would you take?
Where should I set up an account?
What links should I begin with?
Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
I'm looking forward to learning as much about this as possible.

I think scottrade is the best

Hat is right, if a Scottrade is near to where you live, open a local acct there. Commish rates are lower and you have the office to go into and get checks cuts and make deposits, ask questions etc.

Getting ready to open an account.  There's a few office all around where I live in Tampa.  Do you any of you have a promotion code or referal code or anything like that, that you would like me to enter....Figured I'd ask.

There are "free trade" codes that you can enter when opening an account where if someone referred you they get free trades.

If you want to do that with whereismyhat, you can exchange info I guess in PM-land, I have never worried about getting promo bonuses from giving info here..especially since being a moderator.

WoW. Scottrade just rejected me based on my credit score.
That's a bummer.  wtf?

Really?

Never heard of that.

Walk into a local office and talk to a branch manager..

Thanks I'll check it out

don't try and open a margin account, cash only

Just open a cash account with Scottrade....or wherever...certainly just starting out you do NOT want to use a margin account...no way.GL
And one more thing,scale into any positions you take...I would also buy a copy of Reminiscences of a Stock Operator simply because it is a hell of a read.