Best way to start trading stock?

[LOLyourFace]

Inspired by my other thread and my friend who does this as a part timer, I decided why not.

I know this isn't the place to learn about trading stock as I did some search but I want to ask you where and how I can learn:

1. What does your daily activities include? Reading and looking at the market?
2. How much can you get involved? How many actual hours and how are they spent doing what?
3. Just how and where exactly do you start trading stocks?
4. Books/Online guides/Links/Last comments/Tips/General cautions?

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: LOLyourFace
Inspired by my other thread and my friend who does this as a part timer, I decided why not.

I know this isn't the place to learn about trading stock as I did some search but I want to ask you where and how I can learn:

1. What does your daily activities include? Reading and looking at the market?
2. How much can you get involved? How many actual hours and how are they spent doing what?
3. Just how and where exactly do you start trading stocks?
4. Books/Online guides/Links/Last comments/Tips/General cautions?

My friend has basically become a full time day trader. He started with a $5,000 investment about five months ago and has grown it to $70,000. He uses a very sophisticated program he wrote to gather and present information to him about the comings and goings of the market. That being said, he devotes himself full time (9-5) to trading.