So you're saying i probably cant short with a cash account?

From my understanding the short answer is yes because in a short sell in defination is selling a stock from a brokerage which you really dont until you do what is called buy to cover. Plus with a margin account your putting yourself at a higher risk to short sell. Dylan to help you this web page explain why you need a margin account http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/05/marginaccountshortsell.asp

Im sorry i forgot to add the word "own" in between dont and until

Thanks drifter. That helped out greatly. Being new here as well I am still learning the ropes. My head is still spinning.