Asides a little patience (for filling out the online applications) and a decent amount of cash (you gotta spend money to…), then you’re 90% of the way there to opening your own trading empire from your pc/laptop, all you need is a..ummm..pc or laptop (apple computers work too!) and a robust internet connection. The vast majority of internet trading applications are web-based so you can access them anywhere. Each of them usually has their system requirements clearly laid out, but they can be split primarily into Java-based trading platforms and flash-based trading platforms. If you’re able to view websites like youtube.com then you should be ok and it’s simple enough to install Java or Flash on your computer (the financial spread betting providers usually provide explanations on doing this).