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Help with the Options Investigator CD

1. How do I install The Options Investigator?

Insert CD into your CD-ROM drive and click on My Computer. Select your CD-ROM drive, and double click on the file named setup.exe.

Alternatively, choose Run from the Start menu, type in x:\setup.exe (“x” being the letter designation for your CD-ROM drive), and then follow the instructions.)

2. What are the system requirements for the program?

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 98, NT 4 (Service Pack 3), ME, 2000, XP

Processor:
333 Mhz or higher (Recommended)

System memory (RAM):
At least 64 MB

Hard Drive:
75 MB hard disk space

Screen Resolution:
800x600 or higher

3. How much hard drive space do I need to install the program?

At least 75 MB.

4. Do I need the CD to run the program?

You only need the CD to install the program, after that the program runs entirely from your hard drive.

5. Do I need an Internet connection to run the program?

An internet connection is never required. However, to receive updates and register your program, you need to be connected to the internet.

6. I am connected to the Internet on a network, but the program says it cannot connect.

Initially, the program tries to connect automatically to the Internet. However, sometimes it cannot.

If you are having trouble connecting to the Internet, the most likely reason is you are on a proxy server. In this case, the Investigator will ask you for your proxy server IP address and port number. Please follow these steps to attempt to connect the Investigator to the Internet:

If you do not know your proxy server IP address and port number, ask your network administrator.
Once you know the IP address and port used to receive HTTP requests, enter those values in the boxes and click "use proxy."

7. How do I use the Strategy Explorer?

The Strategy Explorer serves as a convenient gateway to dozens of detailed strategy discussions. Whether your goal is to study options theory in context, or to discover new strategy ideas, or to narrow a list of candidates, this utility makes investigating strategies much easier.

First, it presents a list of strategies ranging from basic to advanced. From there you can link to whichever strategy discussion you like. You might browse at random, but you can also focus your research. Each column header represents a key criterion. Simply click on the header to sort the list accordingly. The strategies that meet the test filter to the top, and a quick scan of those should help you find the most relevant ones.

For more information on The Strategy Explorer, click here.

8. How do I use the Position Simulator?

The Position Simulator allows you to enter a hypothetical strategy and analyze its performance under a variety of conditions. The results appear in easy-to-understand charts and tables. A test position can contain up to four option positions, plus a stock position. The Simulator even offers an Implied Volatility Calculator for those who want to analyze an option's current market price. You should keep in mind the limitations of this modeling tool if you are considering an actual trade, but even so it is a powerful tool for studying options.

For more information on The Position Simulator, click here.

9. Where can I get more information?

For more information, read the various help files included with the Investigator, or call 1-888-OPTIONS.

Confused? Have a question?
If you're having trouble grasping a concept or if this page doesn't answer a question, feel free to call 1-888-OPTIONS (between 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT), or email options@theocc.com to ask your question. You may also visit our Help Center for more information.

Help with the Options Investigator CD

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