Here are some things to consider in preparing to trade:

1. What technique/vehicle will you use?
A. Options
B. Futures
C. Forex
D. Arbitrage
E. Mutual Funds
F. Stocks
G. Penny Stocks
H. Bonds

2. What is your required level of security?
A. Almost guaranteed success
B. Minimal amount of loss when there is one
C. High risk with high possible returns
D. Moderate risk with moderate rewards

3. Determine your current goals.
A. Steady immediate income stream
B. Find the big up and coming stocks
C. Stable Long term/future growth
D. Instant big profits
E. Slow but consistent increase

4. Determine how much time you will commit.
A. A couple of hours daily.
B. A couple of hours weekly
C. Have someone else manage your trades
D. A combination of your time and someone else managing a portion of your portfolio.

5. How much money will you apply to your online trading?
A. 10% of your gross income
B. 10% of your net income
C. 10% of your investment funds
D. Other

6. How much money will you place in any trade?
A. 2% of your total account
B. 10% of your total account
C. $1,000
D. $10,000
E. $25,000
F. Other

7. How will you manage your profits?
A. Allow all of it to compound?
B. Compound 10% of the profit and use the rest for living?
C. Compound 50% of the profit and use the rest for living?
D. Use all of it for living?
E. Other?

Defining your plan before you begin online trading will make a huge difference in your results. Once you have defined your plan, stick with it. Discipline yourself to do exactly as you said. Set a certain date when you may revise the plan and then stick with the revised version. It's best not to randomly vary your activity off the set plan.

If you want the least risk, learn about options and arbitrage trading. There is fabulous software available these days to make arbitrage trading a cinch. It's a great way to get your feet wet so to speak with the safest form of online trading.