I really don't believe in strict following of the Dollar Cost Averaging method because during a volatile period in the stock market, you'll probably end up paying too much for a counter when it is peaking and not keeping the cash until the price goes down a little. So if you are using that method, try not to keep to strictly to it and be flexible as the market to get the best bang for your buck.

And since you're new, don't go for online brokers for now, instead try to get a normal broker/remisier where you can call them and chat with them. Since most broking firms has their own online viewing systems, you won't be left behind in terms of market updates. Learn from them how the market ticks, how the brokers themselves view the current conditions, change brokers when you aren't happy or get a different opinion. Only after you get the hang of the market, then only go solo for your online trading.

The reason why I recommend a remisier/broker for your stock market transactions instead of online transactions is because if you are about to do something stupid that you aren't aware of, your remisier or broker will at the very least have a tendency to ASK why you want to do that? Trading online only need your input, and whether or not you are doing something wrong or stupid, you don't have someone telling you that you are.

At least when you call a broker to buy/sell something, the broker will tell you the market conditions, recommend you some stocks, and will ask you why you are buying something if it's funny, like buying Loan stocks which is about to expire the next day.

There is no actual "plan" in the stock market to do the DCA for you. You have to do it yourself without an system to help deduct from your bank every month.

And yes, all transactions costs are charged for each transaction. So to be honest, the less transaction the better in terms of costs.

You need to open a CDS account which a broking house will help you do, and also an account with the brokers you want to deal with, like OSK, CIMB, etc.

It's hard to say which online trading portal provides the best functions because not many people have used every kind of portal out there.

Rates of online trading or even through a remisier really depends how much of a trader you are. If you trade in hundreds of thousands, definitely you can negotiate a better rate for yourself. But most of us small 'ikan bilis' tend to get a rate of 0.6% for remisier trading and about 0.42% for online trades. Day trading rates are similar at 0.15% I think.

Try to trade via a remisier since you are new, to learn something new and hear what the 'analysts' have to say. Unlike online portals, remisiers or dealers can point out mistakes and wrong assumptions to you before you make it.

Anyway, read up more on the market and good luck.