Tech Team: In the Trenches

October 10, 2003 Volume 1 Issue 3

Table of Contents


Hi, my name is Rachel Adams and I work for you. I’m part of the technology team that you can call on, Monday – Friday, 9-5, to help with your questions about computers, networks, PDAs, peripherals, digital cameras, web sites and much, much more. Your association of Realtors has provided this service to you as a Member Benefit – my team is just a phone call away!

This issue of Tech Team: In the Trenches gets you back to basics – we show you how to increase the performance of your computer with just a few simple steps.

Back to Basics
In our busy lives, we take our computers for granted. Your computer is an investment, just like your car, and the computer needs some “maintenance” once in a while. Here’s what we suggest …

Turn keyboard upside down and shake the dirt out. A piece of dirt may prevent a key from making contact. If your keys are dirty, dampen a rag with rubbing alcohol and clean the keys. Do NOT use household cleaner on the keys or keyboard. If any cleaner should get onto the contacts, it could damage the keyboard.

Clean your mouse. If you have a ball mouse, open the mouse, remove the ball and blow any dust out. You can use a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts inside the mouse. When you replace the ball, make sure the cover is on tight. Read more...

Cool Tools: Flash Drives
Revolutionize the way you back-up, store, transfer and carry your files. Moving files from one computer to another has never been easier with the new breed of AA battery-sized portable storage devices, known generically as “flash drives.” These units connect directly into your computer's USB port – no wires needed!

Simply drag and drop your presentations, photos, music and other files and go. You can plug the platform-independent drive into any computer with a USB port, so you no longer need to haul or install disks or CDs. Here are three that can put the storage capacity of a PC in your pocket, literally.

Click here for a feature comparison chart

Service News
When it comes to technology, we know it’s sometimes difficult to put into words exactly what you’re trying to communicate. That’s why we offer a whiteboard feature. If you’re having trouble describing exactly what you mean, just ask your Tech Team analyst to turn on remote assistance. Then, you will be able to use your mouse to DRAW and HIGHLIGHT right on your screen so the analyst can SEE exactly what you mean.

The Tech Team may also use this feature to help show you where you need to click when you’re trying to find your way around a web site, or to help familiarize you with the features on your computer

So give us a call - we look forward to helping you!

Sincerely,
Rachel Adams

Copyright 2003 FAR