Re: [amibroker] (beginner) setting up (ASX)

["ash" <ashsimmonds@xxxx>]

hey people,
 
thanks for all the info.  just a couple more 
queries, the answers to these will no doubt be variable for each person's 
preference, but i'm interested in opinions on this.
 
until i get up and running properly i willbe using 
CoolTrader.Net data as i don't really need to pay hundreds of dollars for a 
real-time connection at the moment and don't mind the manual method of 
downloading the latest quotes.  that said, what format is AmiBroker going 
to find most useful?  i have the option of AmiBroker, MetaStock, and Excel 
format.  it would be reasonable to think that AmiBroker format would be the 
optimal, though in my experience with computers has taught me that logic isn't 
something i can count on.  What are the advantages/disadvantages of each 
format?
 
at the moment i have set up a Data directory, and 
under that i have directories with 10 year historic data for each of the 
aforementioned formats.  i will be testing each one to werk out exactly 
what the deal is with how this database system werks but i would appreciateyour 
thoughts if there are any clear pro's/con's for anything in 
particular.
 
also, are there any tutorials around for setting up 
options data?  given the variable nature of the naming convention it seems 
i may be advised to set up a separate database specifically, or is it feasible 
to have them integrated within the rest of the quote data?
 
one more thing... i have heard mention 
of AmiQuote.  for the short term i'm happy with a manual system but 
surely will tire of that eventually.  with regard to the ticker lists and 
stuff, is it essential to nominate each stock that you wish to be 
imported?  is it primarily designed for someone who has a specific few 
companies that they follow and not necessarily for someone who just wants 
everything?  (oh, and as a side note, am i wasting my time/resources having 
ALL data laying around considering I more than likely won't be trading anything 
but basic popular stocks for some time?)
 
thanks everyone, i only hope that oneday ican help 
others out too.
 
ash