As a day trader, it is just proper that your investment tool, particularly the personal computer, lands in between mid-range to high-end in quality. Assets signify wealth, and wealth calls for luxury, so it will be very ironic if your PCs features are bordering on the minimum specifications. Hence before you sign up and pay your broker the fee for the trading software, make sure that your desktop or laptop is fit to accommodate your trading activities.
Most trading programs require Windows XP, Vista, and UNIX operating systems, so if you belong to the Apple or UNIX realm, check whether the chosen stock market platform is compatible with the PC or not. Theres nothing wrong with being an Apple or UNIX fan but if you want to be offered several options, Microsofts operating systems are the way to go. Second, ensure that your processor is higher than 1.0 GHZ. For something as significant as day trading, spending for a core-duo processor and its higher versions is justifiable. In terms of Random Access Memory, minimum would be 512 MB, though 1 to 2 GB is recommended. And though most trading software take only a few MBs, it would be healthy if the computer has at least 30 GB of hard drive space. To youre your eyes focused on checking charts and figures, have a monitor with a screen resolution of at least 1280 X 800.
The qualities mentioned above apply to any computer brand and will make the trading software work fast and reliable enough for doing business. As beginners in the investment world, day trading neophytes like you will initially be contented with standard computers, but as you learn the rules of the game your will naturally resolve to using computers with faster and more powerful features. Brokerages have different styles of servicing their clients. There are brokers that give their platform for free as long as the client has a trading account, there are those that do not charge for as long as the client engages in a given number of trades monthly, and still there are those that charge for a fee monthly or annually.
You cannot say that a software program is brilliant unless you experience it. Brokerages usually give prospective day traders a limited trial period wherein they can get familiar with the features of the trading software. This period provides interested clients demonstration sessions in which they can practice their trading decisions and at the same time assess whether they are compatible with the software or not.