what computer NOT to use for DAS Trader Pro?

[actionjackson 2]

I am new to daytrading, have studied Andrew's books, and was doing OnDemand (historical data/paper trading) trading in thinkorswim to practice.
I was averaging +$450/day with a sample size of about 12 days.

I then attempted to trade during market hours and am down $505 after 3 days.
One main difference between my results in OnDemand historical data is that short orders are always filled, whereas in real trading hours almost all are rejected.

Another thing is there's no way i know of to setup marketable limit orders with hotkeys in thinkorswim, so i'm stuck with market orders and getting bad entries.

so i realize i need to switch to DAS Trader.  I have only used macs, and do not know anything about PCs.
DAS trader says it needs a core duo processer but doesn't share much other info.

Does anyone have any recommendations for PC computers to use or not use for DAS trader pro?
i am only buying this for trading, and i want to find the most cost effective option, as my budget is very limited.

Basically can i buy ANY pc and do just fine?  or do i need to look for anything specific?
Any insights is greatly appreciated!

[mhileman 21]

Here is the minimum according to DAS Trader Pros FAQ:

Minimum Core2 Duo 2+GHZ processor

Minimum 4GB of RAM

Cable or DSL (at least 10/10 DL/UL speed recommended)

Windows 7, Server 2008 or higher

Secure updated web browser

DASTrader Pro program enabled in Windows Firewall

 

You can check this link out as well for using a MAC and setting up a Windows environment: 

https://www.dastrader.com/DAS-Support.html

 

Edited January 8, 2021 by mhileman

[Adam Lewis 64]

I use a Mac with a Windows partition. I've just upgraded to a nice new 2020 MacBook pro, but before that I was trading using a 2012, 4GB Ram, 11" screen MacBook Air, all using DAS, and whilst also screen recording and following the chatroom. I never had a problem, and I'm not sure there could have been a worse computer to be set up on! So no, I don't think you need a particular kind of computer. Sure if you're pulling in thousands a day then you might as well invest in a flashy gaming computer, but really a good internet connection is much more important IMO. 

[CarloNe 4]

I am also using a Mac with Win 10 Bootcamp partition on a 2017 iMac 27" and it works perfectly

[cjsimon07 16]

Definitely switch to DAS. I let TOS hold me back for 8 months before I finally switched. I'm sure people can use it successfully, but it does not work well for my style of trading...

For the computer I would look for an inexpensive gaming computer. That will more than meet the minimum specs for DAS and if you have youtube they are easy to upgrade later if you need to. I got mine at Best buy for $750 and its more than fast enough for DAS. I only use that computer for DAS and chartlog. Everything else, including the forum, I use my laptop. Just make sure it has enough ports to run however many monitors you have or plan to use. 

As stated above, the most important thing you need is a reliable fast internet connection. 

[Wayne C. 5]

Just echoing some of the previous Mac posters, I use DAS on my MacBook Air 2018 on a Windows 10 Bootcamp partition, plugged into a 49" curved monitor.  The WIndows 10 iso file is free from Microsoft and Bootcamp utility comes on your Mac, so there's nothing you need to buy (other than DAS subscription of course). 

[Wayne C. 5]

Windows 10 iso doesn't require activation.  You can use it indefinitely.  Microsoft could obviously clamp down on this whenever they want to, but they haven't.  If they ever do, I'll buy the key then.  Otherwise, I'll continue to enjoy months or years of free use, with Microsoft's blessings.

[Wayne C. 5]

No, I'm correct, thanks.  You can use Windows 10 indefinitely with Microsoft's blessing.  It's downloadable here from Microsoft and completely free and legal to use:  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

No activation key needed.   Recent history shows it will work just fine for months or years.  Peace out:  https://www.intowindows.com/how-long-can-you-use-windows-10-without-activation/#comments

[Wayne C. 5]

Haven't had any issues at all with updates, thanks.

[Bailey Nevener 83]

On 1/11/2021 at 3:50 AM, peterB said:

looks like you are right if you use the "normal iso" but if you happen to use the 90 day trial version of Windows you get shutdown after 1 hour of use and no windows updates.

Peter, 

I can't assume that you will receive this in kind, but seriously?

On 1/10/2021 at 9:57 AM, peterB said:

you are wrong. as i said above.

This is the second post I've seen where you are blatantly aggressive unnecessarily.

I'm not a moderator, but is there any way to keep it cordial?

 Wow!