eHowToGuru

Funicoch:

I use optionsXpress.
I like them for a number of reasons. First, they have a great ‘virtual trader’, where you can practice your ideas and strategies. This virtual trader works well for stocks and options with a wide array of strategies. The virtual trader is very similar to live trading. Second, they have a very user friendly platform that appears simple. Third, they have a live chat component where you can type in your questions for immediate response. This occurs even if you have only set up a practice account with no actual funds where you are only virtual trading.
They have been very helpful and though I have had opportunity to go elsewhere I have not for the above reasons. Their fees are among the best for the type of services that they offer. I do have another online broker whose fees are less (I did some penny stock trading with Zecco) but I greatly miss the simple and useful platform that optionsXpress has.
http://www.cboe.com has the identical virtula trading platform that optionsXpress provides for free. In fact, they power the virtual trader used by CBOE (Chicago Board of Options Exchange). If you desired to practice before you pay you can go to that site and use the tool. You will notice that there are other such types of tools provided by other online brokers for free.
Good luck and happy investing.

Broken timing belt:

Sogotrade. So far they have been good with low commissions ($3/trade). They have promotional offer giving you the 1st 100 trades for free (to be used within a month)