http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1476526

Do read it up. Trading is like KLSE but the best thing is very liquid market, you can trade it like FOREX (long/short) positions, have OPTIONS, ETFs etc etc

I'm using optionsXpress, referred to by a friend and the commissions for options is kinda cheap

Usually I use the mobile application on iPad. Simple and easy to execute orders. If i need to use options strategy then will need the standalone software on mac. it depends on which you are comfortable with and what you need.

There are many online brokers such as OptionsHouse, E*Trade, Fidelity etc, but I hv been using Just2trade and so far it serves its purpose of providing a low-cost (USD2.5 per transaction) platform for experienced traders.
http://www.just2trade.com/home

Just like other leading online brokers, J2t is also protected by SIPC which safeguards investors assets in the event of firm closure. Both J2t and GF are realtime; users might experience slight differences in data refresh and these might due to "end user" factors such Internet connection, user's device performance etc.

Some urls for your reading pleasure..
http://www.just2trade.com/about_us/security_and_insurance
http://www.sipc.org/

Security & Protection
We are serious about protecting your account and personal information. Our unique security technology safeguards your privacy.

Account Protection
In addition to SIPC coverage of $500,000 ($100,000 max in cash), Just2Trade accounts are protected with additional  coverage of $100 million through Lloyd’s of London.  This coverage offers a maximum of $24.5 million per client and up to $900,000 in cash.  With SIPC and Lloyd’s of London coverage, you can feel protected: up to $25 million per client (as defined by SIPC rules), which includes up to $1 million for cash balances. Please be advised that SIPC and Lloyds protects a customer against insolvency only and does not protect against market depreciation, fluctuation or trading loss. For more information, visit www.sipc.org.
Internet Security
All data transmitted between your computer and our trading systems is protected with Secure Socket Layering (SSL) technology, which establishes an encrypted connection between our Web server and your browser. SSL protocol is recognized as an industry standard that ensures the safe transmission of private information on the Web. We employ the highest level of security (256-bit encryption) to safeguard your account against unauthorized access to your personal information. The padlock icon on your browser and the URL prefix "HTTPS" indicate that you are connected to a secure channel.

About SIPC
When a brokerage firm is closed due to bankruptcy or other financial difficulties and customer assets are missing, SIPC steps in as quickly as possible and, within certain limits, works to return customers' cash, stock and other securities, and other customer property. Without SIPC, investors at financially troubled brokerage firms might lose their securities or money forever or wait for years while their assets are tied up in court.

I think some people have said J2T has horrible uptime, response and bad customer service.  Unfortunately, I don't know if true since I don't use 'em. 

Depending on how often and size of your trade... certain commissions plan (eg. from MBTrading)  can be worth it.
Eg. MBT just charge me $1 for each 100 shares to trade. But, if you've large volume, look for flat-rate prices (eg. TDAmeritrade.. $10 commission for 1million shares in a single transaction  )

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Added on August 24, 2012, 9:47 am

Well, I hope it will walk itself down the stairs.. and not waterfall.
Usually, if it goes whoosh.. the bounce back is equally hard.