PortTrak - Introductory Matters

Now that PortTrak has been downloaded, there are a couple of introductory setup matters that you should deal with before beginning to use it.

1. Make a Backup Copy
Most importantly, please make a backup of the program. A lot can happen to a program that is in use frequently, and in order for you to be able to get back to the original program, you should store a backup somewhere away from your hard drive. We further recommend that you make frequent backups of your portfolio in case something happens to either the software or your hard drive. In order to back up PortTrak, go to the File >> Save As... and give it a unique name. You will now have multiple copies of PortTrak, useful in case one is damaged, or if you wish to follow multiple portfolios separately.

2. Configure PortTrak
Next, you will have to configure PortTrak to your individual screen. PortTrak should work as is on most monitors, but some that are much larger or much smaller than the norm will need to be adjusted for. There are two ways to do this, both found under the Viewing menu.

Column Size:  By default this is set to 100%. If at any point while you are using PortTrak you find a series of number signs (####) in a column where a number belongs, that means that your column is too small to hold the actual number. At this point, go to the Column Size command and adjust it.

Zoom:  Adjusting the Column Size will affect how the numbers fits into your columns. Zoom, on the other hand, will affect how the entire portfolio (all of the columns) fit onto your screen. If the spreadsheet goes off of your screen, or is too small for your screen, try Zooming in and out to solve the problem.

3. Enter Your Portfolio Data
The final thing that you must do to get PortTrak up and running is enter all of your portfolio data. The best way to do this is by using the buttons at the bottom of the screen to Buy all of the stocks in your portfolio, and Short all of the Shorts. You should then use the Move Cash button to move enough cash into the portfolio to cover all of the original purchases. Once this is done, you will be able to update it as you make changes in your portfolio. You will also want to update the quotes right away, since the quotes that will be listed will be the quotes as of your initial purchase or short.

Good luck!

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