1. Should I choose SharePad or ShareScope?

SharePad is our most recent development whereas ShareScope is our original platform that has been evolving over the last 20 years. Both have different advantages depending on how you intend to use our software. If you want to use the software on:

- an Apple Mac or
- a number of different devices or
- on a phone

Then SharePad is probably the answer. If you mainly want to use it on a PC then either could be suitable.

If your key interest is Technical Analysis then we would recommend ShareScope.

Both platforms have the choice of delayed prices or real time prices.

For a small extra price you can take both and find out which better suits your style of investing.

2. Which devices can I use ShareScope and SharePad on?

ShareScope is a software program which you install on your Windows PC. If you have a laptop and a desktop PC you can install it on both. ShareScope can also be run on an Apple Mac via an emulation software.

SharePad is accessed via a web browser which means you can login on any tablet, laptop or PC. It can also be used on smart phones - the resolution may reduce how flexible it is.

3. Which tablet computers is SharePad compatible with?

SharePad is compatible with iPads (iOS7 onwards) and Android tablets with at least 1GB RAM (e.g. Google, Samsung or Amazon Fire). We recommend a minimum resolution of 1024x768. For on-the-go use SharePad will run on a decent smart phone. We do not recommend this for extensive analysis.

4. Which web browsers is SharePad compatible with?

We recommend using SharePad with Mozilla FireFox, Safari, Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. We have removed Internet Explorer from our recommended browsers for SharePad as it is no longer capable of sustaining SharePad browser functionality following Microsoft ending support for Internet Explorer from 01/12/2016. Safari is the default browser on Apple Mac devices and both Firefox and Chrome can be downloaded free from their respective websites.

5. Can I buy shares and funds through SharePad or ShareScope?

No, you will need a stockbroker account for this. You can record all your purchases and sales as well as dividend payments in our powerful portfolio management tool - it will also calculate any tax due on your capital gains.

6. Will I be tied in to a contract?

We offer a full no-quibble refund in the first 30 days of your subscription (for first-time customers only). After that, users wishing to cancel their subscription must do so via the ShareScope website, by email or by letter. You will not be entitled to any refund of the subscription fee unless your current annual subscription expires on or before 14/08/2019. In such cases the amount refunded will be calculated as the total amount paid minus the full monthly subscription for each month in which data has been available. If requested, the account will be available for use until the next billing date when it will be deactivated. Ionic will confirm your cancellation by email or letter. If you cancel, you can resubscribe at any time via our website or by calling 0800 052 1515.

7. Are there any hidden costs?

No. Your monthly, or annual, subscription fee is all you will pay. Prices include VAT.

8. How often is data updated?

Share prices are updated either real-time, delayed by 15 minutes, or once a day (after market close) depending on your subscription level:

SharePad: 15 minutes delayed
SharePad Pro: Real-time
ShareScope Gold: Once daily
ShareScope Plus: 15 minutes delayed
ShareScope Pro: Real-time

Fundamental data (company results, broker forecasts etc) are updated once a day (usually around noon).

In SharePad, data is updated without you having to do anything. In ShareScope, the latest data will be downloaded in the background and you will be prompted to refresh your databases. You can set this to happen automatically if you prefer.

9. Will I miss any data if I don't use the service for a few days?

No.

10. How are SharePad and ShareScope different to the free tools on my broker's website?

Your broker's website may provide lots of data but it doesn't help you compare and research investments very easily. Nor does it tell you much about the health of your portfolio. Read Why SharePad is better than the free tools on your broker's website to see the gulf in functionality and quality.

11. Do SharePad and ShareScope include funds?

Yes, SharePad includes not only funds but also other types of collective instrument like investment trusts and exchange traded funds (ETFs) - both of which can be used as alternatives to funds. SharePad makes it easy for you to compare different instruments and find the ones which offer the best combination of performance and low fees. You can invest in any of these fund products via your ISA or SIPP provider.

12. How will SharePad or ShareScope "pay for itself"?

SharePad will help you become a better investor. It will help you identify shares more likely to succeed; it will help you get better prices for the shares you buy; it will help you find better value alternatives to the funds promoted by your broker. Customers tell us that these performance gains and cost-savings far outweigh the annual subscription cost of SharePad.

13. Do you provide share tips or investment advice?

No, our aim is to empower investors to make their own investment decisions. We give a lot of support to helping our customers understand how investment works and how to make better investment decisions. We actively encourage customers to contact our support team with any questions.

The investment management industry makes money by playing on investor ignorance and lethargy. We believe that if you understand why you are buying an investment and the factors that can affect the value of that investment you will be better positioned to manage your savings safely. Ultimately, you will be a more successful investor. Read our Step-by-step guide to investing by clicking here.

Since using ShareScope my profitable trades have risen to an unbelievable level, whereby it has paid for itself many times over in a very short time.

TJS, Frome

14. Do you provide telephone support?

Yes you can call or email us. We have a dedicated customer support team here in our London office which is open from 8am to 5:30pm. We actively encourage customers to call with any questions. If you are new to investing or trading, you'll probably be unfamiliar with the terminology and concepts; give us a call and we'll be more than happy to explain. Our in-house support team are very knowledgeable and friendly - the only thing they can't do is offer advice on what to invest in.

What a shame it is that more companies don't offer your level of customer care! An example to all.

GW, Basingstoke

15. Who provides your data?

We take our data very seriously and we take all steps possible to ensure that the data we provide is of the highest quality. We do this by partnering with the leading data suppliers in the industry including The London Stock Exchange, FTSE, Morningstar, Nasdaq, CME, Exchange Data International, Standard & Poors (S&P) and Dow Jones Newswires.

16. What if I don't understand stock markets or anything about company accounts?

If you are going to invest we recommend you start learning how to compare different types of investment and identify which offer the most value and potential gain. Otherwise you will be relying on share tips and the recommendations of others. You'll find yourself watching the ups and downs of your portfolio with a feeling of helplessness. Better to take responsibility for your investment decisions and take the credit for your growing wealth. Especially as you could be investing for decades! Our goal is to help all customers become confident and successful investors. Reading our free Step-by-Step Guide to Investment Analysis and our Weekly articles are a good place to start.

17. Why is it better to manage my own investments rather than entrust my money to a wealth manager?

Quite frankly, you can do a good job yourself without having to pay fees to a professional. Read How you can beat the professionals.

18. How does the Tell a Friend offer work?

If you introduce a friend to SharePad or ShareScope you will get up to two months FREE subscription and your friend will get one free month. Click here for more details.