For retail trading, a lot of us here like ToS. We just went through this with one of the members, piccon. Try searching on his name or my name from about a week or two ago and you should be able to see where we discussed ToS. Maybe Mo will interject and provide you with a better way to search for ToS.
I have been with OX for the last 6 months and I don't have any complaint. I don't want to complain when I don't get filled because I am not losing any money. Last week I started an account with TOS and I am struggling to understand their platform. During the day I am at work and I can use only the web version and I don't like it at all. I do like the OX platform. I heard that the Desktop version of TOS is excellent but I can't use it at work. If I have more money, I will add it to my OX account. MHO
The TOS web version is seriously lacking. Don't give up on the downloadable platform because it is the best thing since sliced bread once you get the hang of it. Try out their online webinars to learn the basics and understand some of the areas of their software that are just plain awesome. You can also try the Paper Money account to experience what it's like to place trades. The good/bad thing is that Paper Money will fill trades at anytime. This should get you started. I have been using it exclusively since January and could not imagine going back to OX at this point. If you have specific questions I am sure one of us will be able to answer it for you.
Ok, I have seen this pic many times on this forum and I have refrained from asking this question, but it is just killing me. Where was this pic taken, and what was the temperature?
Some one to tell me how to do it . I am not in the studio when I do the show so I do not know how or if they record it so anyone with experience with recording things to podcast? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Just as an FYI: Go to the http://www.washingtonbusinessradio.com/ Link and click on the 'Archive Programs' link that is on the left side of the page. When the page displays the Archive Programs then click on ANY of the 'Show URL:' links in the center of the displayed page. When the NEW page displays then scroll down to where you can see the 5 pm time slot. You will see several shows at the 5 pm time slot so RIGHT CLICK on the 'Coach Phil Show' link. This will display a popup menu from which you will select the entry that says 'Save Target As...' . A dialog box will appear that indicates that 'File Download' will occur and the another dialog box will appear asking you to 'Save As'. The file name in the 'Save As' dialog will be 'MON-5pmShow.wma'. I usually change the file name to something like 'Coach06-05-01.wma' and this way the shows won't overwrite each other and they will be in date order on the hard drive. The only thing you will have to remember is where on the hard drive you have stored the .wma file. I use Windows Media Player 10.0 to play the files on my computer and I also transfer the .wma to my mp3 player and listen to the show as I drive to and from work. The only problems I have found is that 1) The show only has 1 archive and it is over written after each Coach Phil show. 2) The last 5 to 10 minutes of the show is usually cut off the recording. I would record the shows live if I didn't have to work. I hope the information provided is helpful to someone. Thank you everyone for the great information you have provided.
Diagonal Update: Closed out the entire position.... repositioned. With only four months under the belt... it's very interesting. Without some real movement in the market, I'm still waiting to collect more data. Twice now I've bought the Diagonal at low volatility, sold a calendar at higher volatility, converted into an Iron Condor... then flipped into two butterflies. Attached is a screen-shot. It came from Craig at Chart Bender. It's very interesting.... a little commission intensive... but the results are two free butterflies... with huge profit potential.
The desktop version really is very good. I also have an OX account. When I have to use it now it is painful. With ToS desktop it is so easy and quick to place an order; no more stupid dot symbols to find and enter in. Plus when you call in, you deal with real traders who know the business. They've helped me get better fills a number of times. That being said, the ToS web version is not nearly as good as OX. Like piccon, I can't use the ToS desktop at my clients location, but I can easily call in my orders or check on my orders. I then only use the web version to check if I was filled. Also, I do remember when I first switched, I thought ToS was difficult and not intuitive. It does take some time, but now I feel that way about OX.