E*trade ect..
 

I may want to move some investments from bonds to the stock market now that things are on the up and up ,

Anyone ever used any of these online trading services ? how do they work ? need to have so much $$ to start ? any info would be great

Each trade costs X amount so you're best to move a lot of money at one time to keep costs to a minimum.

IIRC, you can open an account with $500.

I have used Scottrade in the past, with decent results. All brokerage houses are in business to make money......the online traders are cheaper because they are geared more towards those who do all their own research and know exactly what to buy.....very little actual market advice forthcoming regardless of what they tell you.