Options Trading Tutorial

What is the best options and stock trading platform / software and why?

I use scottrade and they are limited in what you can trade. No spreads or straddles either.

Public Comments

1. Thinkorswim (aka TOS) is the best "free" platform out there with very competitive commission. Most people can get $1.50 per contract just for asking. They also have an analysis page that makes calculating profit and loss very easy. Also there are no trading levels so you can trade naked calls or spreads immediately.
2. Try ThinkorSwim. There are other software programs but shop around for a broker. Look for margin requirements, and cost per trade round trip. Also can you use you broker fee to power software programs like Investor/RT, Sierra, Esignal, Real Tic, Tradestation or do you have to use their front end. Like Ameritrade and Scottrade. There are more out there, do your homework.