Day Trading Hardware and Software

What do I need to get started with Day Trading?

Not only will you require a solid approach or technique to day trading, but the day trading computer equipment needs will be just as important when setting yourself up to day trade.

Trading Equipment

Computers

Day trading involves profiting of very fast moves at times, sometimes you will be in a trade for less than 10 seconds. A day trading computer with a fast processor will be required to handle the speed at which you need to execute. I would suggest at least a Pentium 4 with a minimum of 1 gig of RAM and a 40 GB hard drive.

One thing that you want to be aware of is the usability of dual core processors. Dual core does not necessarily mean faster if your trading application does not support it. For example, an AMD dual core running at 2 GHz does not help with Tradestation as that application is not made to take advantage of a dual core processor as of yet. You are better off with a single core Pentium 4 in this situation. Understand the trading platform you wish to use before you spend money on a computer.

I am currently using the TradeStation platform to day trade.  The ability to back test-trading strategies is what first attracted me to TradeStation.  Another benefit of TradeStation is the ability to trade equities, futures, options, and forex from one trading platform.  If you are interested in TradeStation, this article is a must read review before you make any final decisions.

Strategy Testing

Easy Language

TradeStation gives you the power to right code in Easy Language in order to back test your trading strategies.  Now, while the name of the code is Easy Language, it is far from easy.  If you have previous coding experience, then Easy Language will remind you a lot of C++, but if you have no previous coding experience, do not waste your time on trying to learn the syntax.  Simply look to their third-party programmers for assistance.  These developers are backed by TradeStation and they do not charge and obscene amount of money.  Better yet, if you have a friend or relative that knows how to write code, they will quickly be able to write basic strategies for you.