So you want to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, huh?
I have a feeling that this section is going to be a little underrepresented, but here are some ideas:
Buy the books (or at least the Player's Handbook).
You need the book in order to play, so it's always a good idea. Plus, by reading said book, you can get a
feel for the game.
Buy the starter's kit.
As above, except that you get dice and an adventure to play, but you still need to buy the book at a later date.
Find a local gaming store.
Yes, there are freaks, but as a rule gamers aren't any freakier than anyone else. Anyway, if you find a
local gaming store, then you have found a place to buy the books as well as, most likely, a place to find
people to play with. Usually, there'll be someone willing to let you sit in on a game to watch there.
Sit in on a friend's game.
Basically, get a feel for the game by watching it played. But, this only works if you have friends who
play.
Go online and find people to play with.
I've done a lot of this, and it's a lot of fun. Although Web RPG used to be the primary place to go, there are
many other sites that serve the same function (at some point, this site may become one of them).
Buy yourself a PHB (Players Handbook), DMG (Dungeon Master Guide), and a Monstrous Manual and make up a campaign
for your friends. This is pretty tough, and the first time around it's going to be pretty chaotic... plus you'll
most likely have no clue what you're doing anyway.