FCharts Pro stock charting and scanning software
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How long has FCharts been around?
Version 1.0 was released in March 2001, and it's been in constant development ever since. The number of releases has slowed over the past couple of years because the software has matured to a point where it does just about everything you could want.
Can Freecharts import from Metastock® binary data files?
Yes, and you can specify a range of dates, too. Just click 'Import MS' in the Import/Export screen and follow the instructions.
Do you collect personal details so you can market to your users?
Absolutely not. You have to supply your contact details to place an order because I have to register your copy and send it to you. However, that's as far as it goes - I don't give the details to anyone, or use them for any other purpose.
Can I install FCharts Pro onto more than one computer?
Sure. FCharts is registered to a particular user, not their computer. Therefore, I have no problem with someone copying the program onto as many computers as they like, providing they're the only person using each one. For example, you might want FCharts on your home computer, a laptop and a desktop PC at work - assuming you have permission to install it there ;-) Or, as a further example: a husband and wife could each install a copy to trade with and I wouldn't expect them to buy two licenses. But a father and son living in different houses, each trading on their own, should buy one each.
I think everyone knows whether they're using software legitimately or not, whatever the supplier's terms and conditions are. My only protection is that the program is very reasonably priced, and anyone who is trading stocks worth thousands of dollars is hardly going to try and save a couple of hundred dollars using pirated software - particularly when it means no support.
If I start using your program, will my data be 'locked in' so that I cannot easily change to something else?
No, Freecharts lets you export your data for use in (almost) any other software package. I say almost, because some programs are only able to use data purchased from the same people who sell the software.
Does Freecharts use an internet connection?
No, it's a standalone program, although you can tell it to check for an updated version or download data from third party sites. For normal, everyday use, you can run it on a computer not even connected to the internet.
How do I get hold of updates?
Download and install the 'FCharts' update from the FCharts updates page. This will update both FCharts SE and/or Pro at the same time. You can also use the program's inbuilt updater - just click the 'Settings' button on the main screen, followed by 'Check for Update'
How much do I have to pay for upgrades/updates?
Upgrades are free: you pay for the software once and access the updates forever. (Note: Student version limited to 12 months of updates.)
Can I run FCharts on a Mac or on Linux?
FCharts is a native Windows application, but several users have reported success running FCharts using Wine on Linux, or Darwine on OSX.
Will FCharts work with futures, currencies, scientific results... ?
FCharts doesn't actually 'know' what it's charting, so you can use it with anything provided the data is in the right format. Details of data import formats are in the help file accompanying the program, and it's not hard to create a suitable file in a spreadsheet package or text editor.
How do I keep the stock prices up to date?
You need a daily update called an 'End of Day' data file, or 'EOD' file for short. A number of online brokers offer these files to their customers, and there are sites where you can download them for free. You can also subscribe to a data service. (See the Data FAQ for more details.) I recommend most users start with a free data service until they're comfortable with the program, and then subscribe to data after that.
Do you supply data?
No, I'm a programmer. There are plenty of companies who specialise in data, as per the data link above.
How come I've never heard of FCharts or Spacejock?
I registered Spacejock Software in 2001, and have been selling my charting software under that name ever since.
I don't advertise, and I'm not into self-promotion. I put my effort into pleasing existing customers, and I would estimate that 90% of my customers are using FCPro because it was recommended to them by someone else. If that sounds like a crazy way to sell a product, you're right - only I'm not selling a product, I'm developing a better charting program with the cooperation of thousands of dedicated users.
Why is the Pro version so cheap?
No middle men and no retail markup.
How does FCharts Pro compare to [insert program here]?
I can't say - I've never used anything else. On the other hand, there are hundreds of FCharts users and I haven't had a single complaint about the program, the features, the price, the reliability or my level of support and service. On the contrary, I look forward to reading my email each day.
How fast is the data import?
There are lots of variables, such as hard disk speed, number of stocks in the database and so on. On a recent machine, 1 or 2 seconds per end-of-day file.
I've seen FCharts Pro key files, serialz, crackz and hackz on the net
So have I, and out of curiousity I downloaded a few to find out what they did. Every single one was a fake, designed to install a virus or a trojan on my computer.
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