Local changes: Updated model training, removed debug instrumentation, and configuration improvements

docs/user_manual/getting_started.md

@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+# Getting Started
+
+This guide will help you install and set up Crypto Trader for the first time.
+
+## Installation
+
+### From AppImage (Recommended for Bluefin Linux)
+
+1. Download the latest AppImage release from the releases page
+2. Make it executable:
+   ```bash
+   chmod +x crypto_trader-*.AppImage
+   ```
+3. Run the application:
+   ```bash
+   ./crypto_trader-*.AppImage
+   ```
+
+### From Source
+
+1. Clone the repository:
+   ```bash
+   git clone <repository-url>
+   cd crypto_trader
+   ```
+
+2. Create a virtual environment:
+   ```bash
+   python -m venv venv
+   source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
+   ```
+
+3. Install dependencies:
+   ```bash
+   pip install -r requirements.txt
+   ```
+
+4. Install backend dependencies:
+   ```bash
+   pip install -r requirements.txt
+   pip install -r backend/requirements.txt
+   ```
+
+5. Install frontend dependencies:
+   ```bash
+   cd frontend
+   npm install
+   ```
+
+6. Run the application:
+   
+   **Backend** (in one terminal):
+   ```bash
+   python -m uvicorn backend.main:app --reload --port 8000
+   ```
+   
+   **Frontend** (in another terminal):
+   ```bash
+   cd frontend
+   npm run dev
+   ```
+   
+   Access the application at: http://localhost:3000
+   API documentation at: http://localhost:8000/docs
+
+## First Launch
+
+When you first launch Crypto Trader:
+
+1. **Configuration Setup**: The application will create configuration directories:
+   - `~/.config/crypto_trader/` - Configuration files
+   - `~/.local/share/crypto_trader/` - Data and database
+   - `~/.local/share/crypto_trader/logs/` - Application logs
+
+
+ 2. **Database Initialization**: 
+    - Ensure PostgreSQL is running and credentials are configured in `config.yaml` or via environment variables.
+    - Tables will be created automatically on first run.
+
+3. **Paper Trading**: By default, the application starts in paper trading mode with $100 virtual capital.
+
+4. **UI Overview**: The web interface contains six main pages accessible via the navigation menu:
+   - **Dashboard**: Overview with AutoPilot controls, system health, and real-time market data
+   - **Strategies**: Create, edit, delete, and manage trading strategies with full parameter configuration
+   - **Trading**: Manual order placement, order management, and position closing
+   - **Portfolio**: View portfolio performance, holdings, allocation charts, and risk metrics
+   - **Backtesting**: Configure and run backtests on historical data with progress tracking
+   - **Settings**: Manage exchanges, risk settings, alerts, alert history, and application configuration
+
+## Adding Your First Exchange
+
+1. Click on the **Settings** tab
+2. In the **Exchanges** section, click **Add Exchange**
+3. Enter your exchange name (e.g., "Coinbase")
+4. Enter your API key and secret
+5. Choose **Read-Only Mode** for safety (recommended for first-time setup)
+6. Click **Save**
+7. Test the connection using the **Test Connection** button
+
+## Placing Your First Trade
+
+1. Go to the **Trading** tab
+2. Select an exchange and symbol from the dropdowns
+3. Choose order type (Market, Limit, or Stop)
+4. Select Buy or Sell
+5. Enter quantity
+6. For limit orders, enter your desired price
+7. Click **Place Order**
+
+The order will execute in paper trading mode by default. You can view your positions in the **Open Positions** table and order history in the **Order History** section.
+
+## Using Autopilot
+
+The Autopilot feature provides autonomous trading signal generation with two modes:
+
+1. **Pattern-Based Autopilot**: Uses technical pattern recognition and sentiment analysis
+   - Transparent and explainable
+   - Works immediately without training data
+   - Best for users who want to understand every decision
+
+2. **ML-Based Autopilot**: Uses machine learning to select optimal strategies
+   - Adaptive and learns from performance
+   - Requires training data
+   - Best for users who want data-driven optimization
+
+**Quick Start**:
+1. Go to the **Dashboard** page
+2. In the **Autopilot Configuration** section, select your preferred mode
+3. Choose a symbol (e.g., BTC/USD)
+4. Optionally enable **Auto-Execute** (start with paper trading first!)
+5. Click **Start AutoPilot**
+
+See the [Trading Guide](trading.md#autopilot-modes) for detailed information about both modes and when to use each.
+
+## Next Steps
+
+1. [Configure your exchanges](configuration.md#exchanges)
+2. [Set up your first strategy](strategies.md#creating-a-strategy)
+3. [Try paper trading](trading.md#paper-trading)
+4. [Try autopilot](trading.md#autopilot-modes)
+5. [Run a backtest](backtesting.md#running-a-backtest)
+
+## System Requirements
+
+- **Python**: 3.11 or higher
+- **Operating System**: Linux (Bluefin Linux recommended), macOS, Windows
+- **Memory**: 2GB RAM minimum, 4GB recommended
+- **Storage**: 500MB for application, additional space for historical data
+- **Network**: Internet connection for real-time data and trading
+- **Database**: PostgreSQL 12 or higher (required)
+
+## Getting Help
+
+- Check the [FAQ](faq.md) for common questions
+- Review the [Troubleshooting](troubleshooting.md) guide
+- Consult the [API Documentation](../api/index.html) for advanced usage
+