Is it necessary to pay for an online course to get RE license?

[James Greenwood]

I have a goal of getting my real estate license this winter while things are slow in my primary business. 

I've just started looking at online courses that you can pay for: Kaplan, Duane Gomer, First Tuesday, Real estate Express, Allied etc. 

My question is whether going through one of these courses is how everyone does it or is there another way. If using a course is typical which is the best for someone who doesn't have a lot of extra study time?

Realtors, please share your detailed story about the path that you took to get your license. 

Thanks