colby

Thanks! hah more cable management!? Guess there is a little more there that can be cleaned up!

Greetings! So! After getting the simulator setup, a few things became clear. Given that I would need to use parallels to facilitate windows for using DAS, things were already beginning to seem difficult. But, I started with a trial account of parallels and my current macbook pro 13" with I5 processor and 8gb of memory to give it all a try. In addition to this, I used an ipad next as an extra screen with sidecar - a way to link the ipad over bluetooth as a second monitor. This all worked somewhat, but it seemed overly complicated and completely insufficient given my current and future projected needs for trading. The processing speed and technical difficulties with using the ipad, in addition to needing to purchase both parallels and then windows wasn't sitting right. I weighed the benefits and drawbacks of various paths forward. I knew I would have to upgrade screens and computer hardware in the future regardless. I thought of getting some kind of adapter and using the mac with another screen. But I knew my current mac processing speed wasn't going to be good for day trading needs. Also, the idea of spending 100-200+ on a quality adapter for a screen, 80 or so to buy parallels, and another 200 for windows pro just so I could get started seemed like a bad move. I already purchased a year membership at bearbulls and had already began my simulator trial. I felt some urgency but going this route seemed similar to getting proficient with one trading platform in simulator, and then trading for real with another platform. I wanted to give myself the best start I could so I as heavily leaning towards buying or teaching myself how to build a computer. I found some good pre-builts for gaming and trading that seemed like potentially good options. But, as I looked into what it takes to build a computer I saw that there are some main components for all computers that I could learn about, and some tutorials increased an itch I had to do it myself for less money. I also liked the idea of knowing what was going on in there and potentially be able to fix any unexpected issues later on. This was still a hard choice because I wanted to get into the simulator as soon as possible, but, after looking pretty exhaustively at what was offered pre-built wise, I decided I could at least copy the parts list and put one together as well. If I needed help with software I could seek out help. All in all it took about 2-5 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 3 weeks. During this time I had to do a lot of research on hardware compatibilities and used a lot of video tutorials when putting it together, then more research, troubleshooting, and videos with some minor roadblocks hardware and software wise, but I finally got it completed. It is working quite well so far and I am doing my best to learn about what's needed for an extended life of it. I feel proud of the work I did and definitely have a better sense of what's going on with computers as they used to feel quite magical. My parts list: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/olmo2/saved/smph7P I will say this. I had no idea how to build a computer before this and I have always been afraid of the day when it might seem necessary for me to do so. With motivation and persistence, it was possible. I am happy to share any tutorial videos and guides I used with others. Please just ask.

Thanks Peter. Yes. It seems very individual. It seems like it's going to be trial and error to see what works for me. I've settled on this to try for now and plan to just keep adjusting as time goes.

Well, I definitely want to know how to do it so I can continue to refine as I need and understand what's going on. I would just like to know what's necessary v not and then build from there. But that might also be largely personal. Mkgrop, maybe we can help each other. What do you have setup so far and why?

Hello all, I am working hard to get my platform setup so I can use the simulator but am having trouble deciding what to keep on my main screen v not. The issue seems to be screen real estate and relevance. I have two monitors which provide some pretty good space to start, but the das platform seems crowded with all the windows Carlos mentioned in the tutorial. I would love some help/direction with what is best to have open and standard/not necessary on my screen to learn how to use the platform. I also realize there is a level of customization here that reflects personality, trading preferences/styles...etc and experience that will come with time. I would like to get my main screen set up in a basic yet sufficient way to begin utilizing the simulator effectively as I'm finding myself fumbling with getting the window setup day after day now and not moving forward into other elements such as setting up indicators on the charts, learning one strategy and beginning to set up and work with watchlists. Perhaps the screen layout just evolves with time? I have referenced "Setting up your trading platform tutorial in class 3" in the equities class, "creating a trading layout from scratch," from the DAS trader pro youtube channel with Michael J DiGioia. "DAS Trader pro setup tutorial with Humbled Trader" and "DAS trader pro configuration setup with Peter D - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8qnHjr9e8I. I am also looking into the das user manual and it says "the essential windows for trading are: Trade Montage, Account, Position and Orders." I have also been looking at various moderators screens to see what they have. What's clear from what I can see is that a lot of the windows mentioned in "setting up your trading platform" tutorial don't appear to be open on moderators screens, such as open/closed positions, orders, trade tickets, market 6. What I tend to see are charts, montage, time and sales, and a market window. Are the others just on other tabs out of view?, or other screens that aren't showing up in the live video's? This is how I have it now. I'm definitely a fan of simple yet relevant and effective but I don't want to be missing anything. Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated!