| As you can see in the picture, you will probably end up
with multiple monitors and maybe even multiple PCs. The work place can fill up rapidly. Here's the network diagram of this setup.
All systems are P4
3.8GHz processors with 1Gb RAM
running WindowsXP Professional. The trading quote system uses a
two video adapters (One AGP and one PCI).
The ISDN router is an Ascend pipeline 50 with Firewall. Also, don' t forget a good UPS
(uninterruptible power supply, a.k.a. a battery backup power system). We have an APC SU1400NET 1400 watt UPS that provides 25
minutes of backup power so that we can set our trading stops and gracefully shut down our systems in case
of a power failure. The UPS is also great for protecting your systems from lightning strikes during
major storms. I've had two UPS' give up their existence protecting these systems. That's a
cheep price to pay for smooth power and protection against brownouts, lightning strikes, power failures,
power surges, etc. Remember to get a UPS with "smart boost" so that it can handle
the brownouts much better plus be able to shut down your system automatically if you're not home.
We have a DSL to
Verizon
and cable Broadband to Comcast.net.
We also have a Microsoft ISA Server to serve as the first line of defense against intrusion. Behind
that, there are several layers of defense that we won't talk about here for obvious reasons.
As you become more practiced at trading you will want to
have more windows open for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the larger the monitor
the more windows you'll be able to place side by side and still
be able to read the information. You may even decide that
you want multiple monitors for more windows space. A dual
monitor setup is really great for all of those charts and Level
II displays. A dual monitor setup will require a multiple
video adapters. WindowsXP Pro can handle up to four video
adapters.
Now don't get scared and think that you need this type of
setup to trade. You don't. Typically, all you need is a single system with a single monitor.
However, once you become successful, you be able to afford to expand. Don't rush into buying a lot
of equipment until you can afford it from your profits.
Fortunately for us, because of our private consulting
business, we have all of this equipment in place so we're taking advantage of it to trade.
Caution: If after a short while you begin to experience
headaches, it is suggested you consult your personal physician and your eye doctor to ensure that you are
not having severe eye strain.
One last thought,
it is also a good idea to get yourself a carpal-tunnel wrist pad
for your keyboard. Again, your physician can advise you
better in this matter.
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