Overall, the Poker Stars software was pretty simple to install.  The software bundle was 6.63 MB and took about a minute to download.  Using a 56K modem you're looking at about a 20 minute download.  The install process was really simple and took a few minutes.  After the software was installed it launched itself.  When you start the install process, you can select an option that will allow or disallow the software to launch.

Once logged on to Poker Stars, I created an account.  A tedious task no matter what software you use.  After verifying my email address, I was ready to play.  I clicked the cashier link in the lower left hand side of the screen, it took a little time to locate, but I did find it.  I click on 'Buy Chips' and a new window popped up giving me 6 options to pay.  ePassporte, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Western Union, cashiers check or money order.  I decided to use the trusty Visa card to make my initial deposit.  The lowest initial deposit was $10.00.

After a brief verification call my funds were deposited into my bankroll.  I also received my 100% bonus for my initial deposit and I was off to play.  My first game was a $10/$20 No Limit game of Texas Holdem.  Unfortunately, the game took a little longer to start than I wanted to wait, but it started.    My first hand out of the gate was a pair of tens.  Needless to say, I lost the hand to 2 pairs of which one of the pairs was a pair of aces.  The game lasted for about 20 hands and I lost.  I decided to go on to a tournament and see if I could do any better.

The tournament was pretty fun, however I lasted about 30 hands until I got marred by 4 of a kind against my Full House.  All in all it was a lot of fun.  Game play moves fast and I got burned a few times by using the automatic betting features.  I will definitely go back to Poker Stars and play more.