Here's some websites for those starting out in options. If you know of some FREE sources for GOOD data, calculators, education, etc., please add to this post. disclaimer - I have no connection with any of the listed sites other than having an account with OptionsXpress. OahuD. Historica Option Quotes: http://www.onechicago.com/index.html (FREE - register by clicking "launch onechicago analytics". A few weeks ago I was able to get quotes going back to 1999. Now data appears to be limited. Option Quotes w/Greeks: http://www.pcquote.com/options/greeks.php (FREE) Volatililty: http://www.ivolatility.com/ (FREE) Historical Stock Prices: http://chart.yahoo.com/d?a=0&b=10&c=1999&d=11&e=12&f=2003&g=d&s=qqq (FREE) NASDAQ RSI: http://www.vtoreport.com/rsi.htm (FREE) CouldaWouldaShoulda http://www.cashflowheaven.com/cws.pdf (FREE CouldaWouldaShoulda book in PDF format - I downloaded a copy a few weeks ago. Website was not responding tonight so no guarantees) Other Options Forum Sites: www.optionetics.com Educational Material: http://www.cboe.com/LearnCenter/Software.asp (FREE - great "toolbox" you can download to learn the basics and test various strategies) Papertrading: www.optionsxpress.com (FREE - need to register but don't need to fund the account to "papertrade" and use their tools. Note - when testing various strategies, calendar spreads are not properly calculated on the "Trade Calculator" and P/L chart. OX - hint, hint!!!
For general information on options and the markets try the following: http://www.bernieschaeffer.com This site will even allow you to calculate an option's value based on Black-Scholes.
================================== Onechicago,has a good name; but historical data there has been spotty at best. For excellant EOD [end of day+ 20 minute delay ] prices including regional exchanges, perhaps unequaled in orderly , thoughtful option chains or option strings; ''1888options.com''