Day Trading Computer Mistakes

By Author: thomasgalvin
Total Articles: 612
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When it comes to having a super fast day Trading Computer there are a myriad of mistakes you must avoid to be a successful trader. One of the biggest mistakes I see every day is traders trying to run trading software and do all of their trading from an antiquated day trading computer or a laptop. The main result is of using this old technology is that what they think real time data is actually seconds or milliseconds old and this throws off their entire trading system. There orders are not executed at the prices they expected them to be and they lose profits or profits turn into loses. This is a lot more common than you think.

Many traders today make the mistake of thinking that the computers from yesteryear (in this case just 2 or more years ago) have the power to handle todays mega flow of market data. Well, unfortunately they are wrong. Processors such as the Pentium, Pentium 4, Core 2, Core 2 Duo, Celeron, Dual Core are all too slow to effectively process todays levels data in real time. Remember with todays trading platforms and software, today’s day trading ...
... computers must be able to take in about 5 times as much data as 5 years ago and be able to compile multiple indicators and display everything in a readable chart form to the trader. If the trader is multi tasking with other applications such as video or newsfeeds, this will slow the system down even further. As the system slows down the data becomes stale and decisions are affected. The slippage results in loses and utter frustration.

Perhaps even more of an issue are the processors used in more modern laptops. Even todays and especially last years and older laptops use slower less robust processors. These processors were designed for miniaturization, not power and speed. So while you may think to yourself hey my laptop is only a year old and should be fine for trading, you are probably wrong. Laptops are great for internet surfing and email while traveling but in general are way too slow for trading.

Daytrading Computers have been an obsession of mine since the beginning of my full time trading career over 20 years ago. As a computer geek from age 11 I have a unique perspective on day trading computers.

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