Given the 'never dealt in stocks before'. Urge caution. It takes a good bit of time and experience to be able to live with seeing there types of stocks do their normal work. The time requires investing in researching a stock (not only its chart but also the company history behind the stock chart) Even the best out there have to work hard, smart, and in reasoned association with the sector funding interests. there are a few publicly listed companies that tou can also get involved in that participate in PP's on behalf of their shareholders. These companies can help you with your DD but you must first check them out carefully just as you would do with any investment. Besides helping you participate in PP's, these companies also are usually involved in Flow through share PP's of varous junours (in this sector, the tech sector and others as well). The flow through shares you get in PP's pass on the the purchaser the expenses of the issuing company so the purchaser of the flow through can get the tax deductions applied against the purchasers current years income, thus a tax saving to high income earners and the issuing company gets needed cash to continue their business. Old Joe