First you need to learn how to think like a trader, which is very similar to the way a professional poker player manages risk and variance.
Then you must study and learn how to create a system, is not a simple task because you are dealing with a huge numbers of variables, you always have to lose a little to avoid excessive risks and exposures.
It takes time but it is the only way if you wanna keep your money while doing trading.
A better route is to buy and hold, is the best strategy by far until now.
I recommend these books:
http://www.amazon.com/Trading-Business-Joe-Ross/dp/9768108223
http://www.amazon.com/Fooled-Randomness-Hidden-Chance-Markets/dp/0812975219
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Impact-Highly-Improbable-ebook/dp/B002RI99IM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384869633&sr=1-1&keywords=black+swan
know doubt!~ i've been buying up alts at fire sale prices all week! LMFAO!! -> imo this is going to get good =we eat pigs!!!