What's a decent forex broker which is not a seedy bucket shop but still not to high priced?

I want something that I can start off with with around $500 or so just so I can learn the ropes and make my little trades. I've read warnings about certain forex brokers which are unregulated bucket shops and aren't insured properly either. But are there any decent forex brokers which don't charge terribly high fees but still are decent?

Answer
First, you aren't going to be a talking to a broker. With forex, you will have an account with a dealer who will be taking the other side of your trades.

Second, since they are dealers, they make their money off the spread, not by charging fees or commissions.

Third, they are not banks or brokers, so there is no such thing as "proper insurance".

If you want to learn how the trades work google "forex" and you will see a list of dealers. Any legit dealer will give you a demo account free for 30 days.

Since forex is not governed by law anybody can be a forex dealer, but all the legitimate ones voluntarily register with the National Futures Association even though they don't have to because they are not actually futures brokers.

Are there any Forex brokers that offer Indices trading to US customers?

I see many Forex brokers. Are there any brokers that offer trading of indices (such as Dow Jones) to US customers? There seem to be many brokers that offer indices to Europeans but not US customers.

Answer
I use thinkorswim...I usually trade the Russell 2000 regularly with them but the other indices are available also.