GotData is now almost 10 years old, and when I started on it, I had no idea that it would still be useful so far into the future. I set the Yahoo URL to work until 12-31-2009, so it is time to update that. I have also been working on several improvements over the last few years, so I have made a new GotData.exe to replace the one in existing installations (in C:\Program Files\GotData\ if you installed according to the defaults). I have also made a new complete install package for anyone wishing to start using GotData. The new GotData.exe should work until 2099, if Yahoo is still providing data.

The improvements include better error checking, reports of data which is not current, and the ability to refresh all data in FNU files (necessary when using data adjusted for dividends and splits) while retaining the first two lines, which some users may have modified to show the full name of stocks.

I have included in both the full install and update packages a new program I have been using for a while. I call it TradeAlert, and it provides a handy way to get stock quotes and to be notified if prices reach a point near desired buy or sell levels. It uses the same hidden helper files as GotData, and if the full install package is used, TradeAlert.exe will be placed in the GotData installation folder. Current users who get the GotData update package will find TradeAlert.exe in the package, and it can be run from anywhere on your computer, but most will find it simplest to put it in the GotData program folder.

As an introduction for new users, the programs use Internet Explorer to automatically connect to Yahoo's data sites and download data for stocks, funds, and indexes of interest. GotData converts data into the FastTrack FNU file format and writes to the FastTrack directory. In addition to making the usual files for closing prices, the program can be configured to make FNU files for the daily open, high, low, and volume. Additionally, the program can make file formats suitable for use with many other programs.

The latest revision of GotData, by default, gets data which Yahoo has adjusted for splits and dividends. This can be changed to use unadjusted data by going to the Configuration window and clicking your choice at the top of the "HISTORICAL DATA" section.

The program can either create files from historical data or update existing files, it can save named groups of configuration settings and lists of symbols, and it can be run from either a window by point-and-click or from a DOS command line for batch file operation or scheduled updates.

Dex French has graciously made GotData available for download from his web site at http://dexfr.com/. To do a new installation, download GotData2009_Setup.zip, unzip it to a temporary location, then double-click on setup.exe and follow the prompts to install. For the GotData.exe update, use GotData2009.zip

Good Trading to All,

Bill