Hi all,

I have just purchase MetaStock 11 with the Reuters DataLink. I am just wondering if there are any major advantages to downloading data to use as local data over accessing the data remotely via DataLink. At first glance it appears that there is no need to download all that data and store it on my PC when I can access it quicker and easier using DataLink. I am sure there must be some sort of advatage to using it locally though. I am hoping some more experienced users can help me out with some possible personal preferences as to which they prefer and why or reasons why you would/would not use one over the other.

Also as an aside do you need a subscription to access both downloadable data and the remote DataLink data?

Thanks,
Shaun

The primary advantage is when performing large scans/backtests.  Having to download that data over and over (on demand) for each test takes time.  Having the data stored locally means you download the data one time, then all your testing is done directly off the hard drive - no internet involved.  This is more efficient when it comes to how long it will take the tests to complete, but it does have the added time that you will spend keeping the local data current/up-to-date with the latest symbols.