It happens randomy, sometimes when requesting a new ticker, sometimes when changind some simple configuration, etc, the only way to get around this is to REBOOT TWS completely, a major pain, anyone have similar problems? more importantly any solutions??? this has happened with the last 5 or 6 TWS releases, both beta and full release.
Never experienced anything like this. Things you can try: - Delete TWS completely and re-install it - Remove background programs: see system preferences > users and groups > login items; try to remove them one by one to find out if one of them causes this behavior. - Update Java - there was an Java update for OS X recently, should come up when you select 'software update' - If you have some antivirus software installed, disable it and see if the behavior persists. - If all else fails, try to upgrade or downgrade your OS X version. I'm currently running TWS on Snow Leopard and Lion without problems
I have never experienced this problem. I use a Java Web Start file to run the current "browser" based version of TWS on Mac OS X 10.8.2 with Java 7 Update 13.
I've used TWS for years on Windows. I have also used it for years on a Mac. The OS X version is at least as stable as the Windows version, personally I would even say it is more stable. However, BOTH are not immune to problems. If the problem would occur on a windows machine - what would be your response then? Dump the windows machine?
Why are you bringing your personal "experience" on the stability of each platform and bias into this discussion. Who cares about your personal experience; it does not refelect OP's experience. You may not have a problem with running TWS on OSX, but he is. I could care less if you use mac or windows. The OP states that he has a problem with TWS on OSX...and he has tried many things to fixed it...thus the logical solution would be to dump the mac. I don't get why you are trying to make this personal...do you own apple stocks or something? Yes I would, but this is not the current situation that OP is in. You're talking about trading; if a lot of money is involved, would you want your platform crashing on you randomly. This could cost you a lot of money. If something was affecting my trading like that, I'd dump it in a heartbeat.
There may be a hardware problem involved, if that's the case it's best to get rid of the machine and replace it - or repair it, if possible. But no need to switch platforms then. If that's what you meant, fine. However, a comment "like dump the Mac" makes as much sense as "dump Linux" or whatever, as soon as a some problem arises and before there is any indication that the problem is indeed OS-related. As for Apple stocks... couldn't care less.
BTW: I would talk to IB... if the problem arises more often, customer support will likely already know about it. IB CS is not so bad anymore as it once was...