I agree with the demo account but i'd forget forex and futures
the people that suggested you trade futures/ FX didn't mention to you that futures/ FX move A LOT faster than stocks. as a 1st time trader, you'll get your ass handed to you without a rock solid trading system which MOST traders (especailly new guys) fail to obtain. YM (mini dow) moves at 5.00 a tick, unlike stocks that move at .01 a tick, and ES (mini s&p) moves at 12.oo a tick, and forex, for a standard account is 10.00 a pip. Also if your going to trade the EURO, it opens at 3am central time...so unless you plan on staying up late in the morning, fx isnt for you.
Do what you want, but in my opinion fx and futures isnt the best way to go.
(I currently trade stocks and have fx experience as well)
CM