How To Install Thinkorswim on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Thinkorswim, a powerful trading platform developed by TD Ameritrade, has become an essential tool for many traders and investors. Its robust features and advanced charting capabilities make it a go-to choice for both novice and experienced traders. While primarily designed for Windows and macOS, Linux users, particularly those running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, can also harness the power of Thinkorswim with a few simple steps.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, known for its stability and long-term support, provides an excellent foundation for running Thinkorswim. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Thinkorswim on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensuring you can access this sophisticated trading platform on your Linux system.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to ensure your system meets the necessary requirements and you have the right tools at your disposal. Here’s what you’ll need:

System Requirements

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS installed and running smoothly
• At least 4GB of RAM (8GB or more is recommended for optimal performance)
• A minimum of 5GB of free disk space
• A stable internet connection for downloading and updating

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Installation

If you haven’t already installed Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, you can download it from the official Ubuntu website. Follow the installation guide to set up your system properly. Ensure your system is up-to-date before proceeding with the Thinkorswim installation.

Basic Terminal Knowledge

While this guide will provide step-by-step instructions, having a basic understanding of terminal commands will be beneficial. Don’t worry if you’re new to the command line – we’ll explain each command as we go along.

Step 1: Updating Ubuntu System

Before installing any new software, it’s crucial to ensure your Ubuntu system is up-to-date. This step helps prevent compatibility issues and ensures you have the latest security patches.

Opening the Terminal

To begin, open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for “Terminal” in the Ubuntu dashboard.

Running Update and Upgrade Commands

In the terminal, enter the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

The first command updates the package lists, while the second upgrades all installed packages to their latest versions. The -y flag automatically answers “yes” to any prompts during the upgrade process.

Step 2: Installing Java

Thinkorswim relies on Java to run smoothly on Ubuntu. We’ll install OpenJDK 17, which is compatible with Thinkorswim and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Installing OpenJDK 17

Execute the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y

This command installs the OpenJDK 17 development kit, which includes everything needed to run Java applications like Thinkorswim.

Verifying Java Installation

After the installation completes, verify that Java is correctly installed by running:

java -version

You should see output indicating the installed Java version. If you encounter any issues, try logging out and back in, or restarting your system.

Step 3: Downloading Thinkorswim Installer

Now that Java is set up, it’s time to download the Thinkorswim installer.

Using curl to Download

We’ll use the curl command to download the installer directly from TD Ameritrade’s servers. Enter the following command:

curl -L https://mediaserver.thinkorswim.com/installer/InstFiles/thinkorswim_installer.sh -o thinkorswim_installer.sh

This command downloads the installer script and saves it as thinkorswim_installer.sh in your current directory.

Choosing the Correct Download Location

By default, the script will be downloaded to your home directory. If you prefer a different location, navigate to the desired directory before running the curl command.

Step 4: Making the Installer Executable

Before we can run the installer, we need to make it executable.

Changing File Permissions

Use the following command to change the file permissions:

chmod +x thinkorswim_installer.sh

This command adds execute permissions to the installer script.

Verifying Executable Status

To confirm that the file is now executable, run:

ls -l thinkorswim_installer.sh

You should see that the file permissions now include an ‘x’, indicating it’s executable.

Step 5: Running the Thinkorswim Installer

With the installer ready, it’s time to run it and set up Thinkorswim.

Executing the Installer Script

Run the installer with this command:

./thinkorswim_installer.sh

This launches the Thinkorswim installation wizard.

Navigating Through the Installation Wizard

The wizard will guide you through the installation process. Follow these steps:

1. Accept the license agreement after reading it.
2. Choose the installation directory (the default is usually fine).
3. Select any additional components you want to install.
4. Review your choices and click “Install” to begin the installation.

Setting Up Account Provider

During the installation, you’ll be prompted to choose your account provider. Select TD Ameritrade if you have an account with them, or choose “Paper Money” if you want to practice with a simulated account.

Step 6: Creating Desktop Shortcut

For easy access to Thinkorswim, you’ll want to create a desktop shortcut.

Automatic Desktop Icon Creation

In most cases, the installer will automatically create a desktop icon. If you don’t see one, you can create it manually.

Manual Shortcut Creation Process

To create a shortcut manually:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select “Create New” > “Link to Application”.
2. In the “Command” field, enter: /path/to/thinkorswim/thinkorswim
3. Replace “/path/to/thinkorswim” with the actual installation path.
4. Give the shortcut a name, like “Thinkorswim”.
5. Click “OK” to create the shortcut.

Making the Shortcut Executable

Right-click on the new shortcut, select “Properties”, then go to the “Permissions” tab and check “Allow executing file as program”.

Step 7: First Launch and Setup

Now that Thinkorswim is installed, it’s time for the first launch and initial setup.

Opening Thinkorswim for the First Time

Double-click the Thinkorswim icon on your desktop or run it from the terminal:

/path/to/thinkorswim/thinkorswim

Replace “/path/to/thinkorswim” with your actual installation path.

Handling Initial Updates

On first launch, Thinkorswim may need to download and install updates. Allow this process to complete to ensure you have the latest version.

Logging in to Your Account

Once any updates are complete, you’ll be prompted to log in. Enter your TD Ameritrade credentials or use your paper trading account information.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

While the installation process is generally smooth, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Java-related Problems

If Thinkorswim fails to launch due to Java issues, verify your Java installation:

java -version

If Java isn’t recognized, try reinstalling it:

sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y

Permission Issues

If you encounter permission errors, ensure the Thinkorswim directory and files have the correct permissions:

sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /path/to/thinkorswim
sudo chmod -R 755 /path/to/thinkorswim

Replace “/path/to/thinkorswim” with your actual installation path.

Network Connectivity Problems

If Thinkorswim can’t connect to its servers, check your internet connection and firewall settings. You may need to add Thinkorswim to your firewall’s allowed applications.

Update Failures

If updates fail to install, try running Thinkorswim with elevated privileges:

sudo /path/to/thinkorswim/thinkorswim

This can help overcome permission-related update issues.

Tips for Optimal Performance

To get the most out of Thinkorswim on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, consider these tips:

Allocating Sufficient Memory

Thinkorswim can be memory-intensive. To allocate more memory, edit the thinkorswim.vmoptions file in the installation directory:

nano /path/to/thinkorswim/thinkorswim.vmoptions

Increase the -Xmx value to allocate more memory, e.g., -Xmx4096m for 4GB.

Keeping the System Updated

Regularly update your Ubuntu system and Thinkorswim to ensure optimal performance and security:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Regular Maintenance of Thinkorswim

Periodically clear Thinkorswim’s cache to prevent performance issues. You can do this within the application settings or by deleting the cache directory manually.

Uninstalling Thinkorswim

If you need to remove Thinkorswim from your Ubuntu system, follow these steps:

Steps to Remove Thinkorswim

1. Navigate to the Thinkorswim installation directory.
2. Run the uninstaller script: ./uninstall
3. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Cleaning up Residual Files

After uninstallation, remove any remaining files:

rm -rf ~/.thinkorswim

This command removes the Thinkorswim configuration directory from your home folder.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Thinkorswim. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Thinkorswim on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Thinkorswim website.