Just a note. The software(execution & charting) used by professional traders and firms, depends on the trading that the firm does. There is really no "best charting" package or "best" execution system. A direct access system rated best by BARONs , may not be the best for your individual needs. Some of my picks for stocktraders: All in one system that includes charting & is accessed through the internet for home use - REAL Tick III Professional Tradestation for daytraders- AT Financial( charting) and REDI+ for order execution or Reuters BridgeStation( Charting) and REDI+( order execution). If used at home , DSL or cable modem for internet. 256 meg RAM required for two software packages on one computer. (My choice) Order execution only software(no charts)-ROX by LEK & Co. Custom Basket trading screen. Access to ECN's and regional markets and the ability to connect to any MM directly. For floor Market Makers & hedge funds only. This software is similiar to IB's, but offers alot more for true professional traders. Other quality charting & filtering software used by Daytraders include ILX, First Alert ,E-Signal & Stormtracker. Bloomberg is a great system for Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds and trading desks- the costs of a Bloomberg terminal($1200+ month) is out of the range of most independent traders and does not offer news any faster than Dow Jones or Reuters. The Bloomberg terminal is an amazing tool, but it's really not for home use. There are many other quality software packages out there. Gene Weissman Lieber & Weissman Sec., L.L.C. gweissman@stocktrade.net