Do research on your choice of Broker, then Demo THAT platform that you would use with real cash.
If you cant be CONSISTANT with fake money, you are no-where ready to put hard earned Funds on the line.
I trade Oanda, so I Demo'd Oanda. Oanda is a bit differant then other MT4, as in Action..
MT4 Platform is same thru all, but Numbers and movement isnt really, thats what I learned..
When I started, My mission was to be perfect. And practice makes perfect.
Demo is a great practice setting..
Start with a Real Life balance amount. If you only intend to deposit $500, start with $500 demo balance.
Once your CONSISTANT with your Strat, ( entry/Exits ) then move to Money management.
Concentrate on PIPS, NOT MONEY Amounts.
My goal is to clear 100 pips a day, and I didnt start real trading till I got 100 Demo Pips, CONSISTANTLY.
I even made a acubus for my Pips, with 100 beads. When I hit my goal and slide all of my beads, Im done for the day..
You can drive alllll you want in a parking lot, but when you hit the real street, its a differant game.
Get your strat down to perfection, then test it out once your CONSISTANT with it.
If your not hitting at least 80% of your trades, and not in Profit, then you must continue Demo.
Its common sense, Dont fall Victim to YOUR EGO, Get your Practice, and get as perfect as you can before going Real Money..
I finished Friday session on a 74 win streak,
74-0
162 pips
Weekly,
421- 8
Those 8 losses, 7 were PC Lag delays and 1 loss was just to end the day Tuesday, because I seen ruff waters, and just wanted to end the day, still finsihed the day with 107 pips.
Im hitting 98% CONSISTANTLY, and thats averageing about 60-70 trades a day.
I also expect 98% to think im full of **** too, but hey, Im just tellin you my Journey and experiance..
DEMO FIRST, TILL CONSISTANT, Dont be a fool and give the sharks the bait they are waiting for.