Just a no frils, large HD capacity server I built to record live ticks for large number of instruments via my data vendor (DTN). Has it's own internet connection (Qwest DSL, which doubles as backup connection for trading platform) so not to interfere with my routine trade execution on Comcast business 16mbs. Server is patched into office network so I can query it for data. Purchasing tick for long periods of time for large number of inst. can add up real quick to annoying $ amounts, so would rather collect it for things I don't currently trade just in case I might look into them down the line. Nothing fancy. Two PCI express EVGA 8600GT cards (each dual DVI) on trading station to power lower 3 LCD's. A single EVGA card in 2nd system to power top-center. They are extremely quiet and do more than an adequate job. No need to get fancy in this dept...put it towards software, data feeds, processor, fast HD's (fan of the WD Raptor)etc. Acuity ranges from $800-1200 depending on options. This is not a department to cheap out on. I estimate I spend 25-30% of my current life in a "chair", a similar amount sleeping on my mattress. IMO you get the best you can for both, end of story.
Free. Just download it here: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=59275&release_id=406638 You'll want the "binaries" file. An ex setup instruction here: http://www.engadget.com/2005/08/09/how-to-share-your-keyboard-and-mouse-in-realtime-with-synergy/ It's really very straight-forward once you fool around with it. You'll be installing this setup file on both computers, essentially servers communicating with eachother.
sweet, what is that background picture?, what city? also, what do you specialize in trading? futures, currencies, equities, (ok, that's a little too personal, pm me plz). also, please explain the logic of (3) quad core systems and using one as a ticker plant. from what I recall, esignal hosts their own ticker plants, hence load time of new charts and historical is almost instantaneous, other datafeeds are not, such as IQFeed or Tradestation or Realtick, or they could have improved in this too... using a centralized database for your MDF (market data feed) or ticker plant, means that you're recently off the upstairs desks in one of the pro shops, which is good, but significant overkill for retail trading.... anyways too much to compliment you on your (expensive, svelt) system, pm me if you please or sidebar this conversation
Seattle harbor http://interfacelift.com/wallpaper_beta/D70bef2c/01748_seattlesharbor_1920x1200.jpg Excellent website for high res photograph wallpapers. Be careful, you'll want to endlessly download pics. http://interfacelift.com/wallpaper_beta/downloads/date/any/ Personally find the above wallpaper colors very soothing, esp when I'm burning midnight oil trading ES AH. I run a similar color/hue spotlight that sits on the ground behind the desk. It shines up onto backside of desk and the wall I face (similar to lighting up a tree/bush on your property @ night). It's easier on the eye to have a backlit area behind the LCD (s) while working in an otherwise dark room (evening). I primarily trade ES intraday & AH, with DAX on occasional pre-US market. Server was part of a small army of units built over two years ago for an equity-based neural net fed via DTN's Nxcore. It ended up being a futile endeavor and gave up on it after 10months or so. Essentially I found a superior path of KISS. When push comes to shove, yes, it is overkill. But the server gets lonely and would otherwise have nothing better to do My vendor also only supplies 30-day of queable tick.
Syprik - That is one very nice setup. And thanks for the comments about the chair. I've been looking at exactly the same chair and agree with you that when one spends a third or more of their life in one it better be good.