cdj,
When you discover which dealer/marketmaker you would like to use, you will then need to open up an account. (you can sample many with their demo platforms and practice buying and selling with fake money)
There is online paperwork and then when your approved you can fund your account. (Do your homework when deciding, by reading this forum.) Personally I read the customer agreements too, and call them with questions after sampling their platform. Stay away from dealer/marketmakers without customer service phone numbers.
Most of the dealer/marketmakers in Retail Spot Forex give you free charts to view the market with.
Are you located in the USA?
Michael B.