Day trading computers range from standard computers available at any computer store, to custom built computers with multiple CPUs and support for multiple monitors. Day trading computers need to be able to access the Internet, while running trading and charting software, in addition to non trading activities, such as web surfing and email.
Minimum Specifications
Day trading computers can be any make and model, but should be meet the following minimum specifications so that they are fast enough and reliable enough for day trading :
- Operating System : Windows XP or Vista
- CPU (Processor) : Intel Celeron or AMD at 1.0 GHZ
- Memory (RAM) : 512 MB
- Hard Drive : 20 GB
- Screen Size : 15 " (38.1 cm)
- Screen Resolution : 1024 X 768
- Network Interface : 10 / 100 Mbps
- Modem : 56 Kbps
The most important features are the CPU speed, the memory, the screen size, and the screen resolution, which should all be as high and large as possible. The more powerful a day trading computer is, the more markets and charts it will be able to handle, so beginning day traders can use less powerful computers, while more experienced day traders may want more powerful computers.
Computer Style
Some day traders prefer desktop computers, while others prefer laptop (notebook) computers. Both computer styles are equally suited to day trading, so the choice can be based upon other criteria. For example, if price is the most important criteria, a desktop computer will cost slightly less than a laptop computer, but if portability is the more important, a laptop computer is obviously the better choice.
Operating System
Windows XP is the recommend operating system, because most brokerage provided trading software, and most charting software, requires Windows XP. Some day trading brokerages (such as Interactive Brokers) offer trading software that is compatible with Unix and Mac operating systems, but Windows XP will give you the widest choice of day trading brokerage, and of trading and charting software.
Even though it is a more recent operating system, Windows Vista is not currently the best choice. As Windows Vista is so new, there are many popular trading and charting software that are not yet completely compatible with Windows Vista. When new versions of the trading and charting software are released, they will be compatible with Windows Vista, but currently the most reliable choice is Windows XP. If Windows XP is not available (many computer manufacturers are already using Windows XP), then Windows Vista is the next best choice.
