Options question

Hi Pat, 

I was curious if you could give me some guidance on options.  1.  Do you ever use them? 2.  If you do, do you buy them deep in the money or at the money.  Next, what expiration do you like?  3, 6 or 9 months out?

Lastly, I have a platform question.  I can’t currently budget Marketsmith.  What platform do you use?

Thanks and I appreciate your help.