Tech Team: In the Trenches
Table of Contents
Those of us manning the Tech Helpline phones answer a wide array of questions, but computer viruses tend to top the list of concerns. Many Realtors fear them because they not only come out of nowhere in full attack mode, but they can bring your computer to a halt and, far worse, tap into your address book and infect your friends and professional contacts.
The good news is that computer shutdowns rarely happen, and there are common-sense steps you can take to avoid trouble -- just take a few minutes to read this month's feature article. And, as always, if you have any troubles or concerns, we're here to help you as a free member benefit from your Association of Realtors.
Viruses got you bugged? Simple steps can safeguard your system
Most Realtors now understand that they should have anti-virus software installed on their computer. They also understand that they should regularly update it as a preemptive move against new viruses.
But here's something not everyone knows: Setting preferences within your anti-virus program to "automatically update" is not enough. You must still perform a regular manual update. Click here...
Digital cameras: Click it, print it, upload it
If you're listing homes online, you need a digital camera. Period. But thanks to recent technological advancements, today's cameras are coming down in price. While the new offerings such as 8 Mega-Pixel cameras still cost a lot, the "old" 5 Mega-Pixel's offer great features and enough pixels to allow cropping and enlarging up to an 8-by-10 size. (A pixel is the smallest unit of the picture. The more pixels, the clearer the photo remains if it's enlarged.) Many even allow you to create small movies and make your own virtual tours. Some even fit into your pocket.
Camera features can vary tremendously and you'll make an intelligent purchase decision by deciding upfront what features you want or need. To read a list of things to consider when purchasing along with a feature-by-feature comparison on three common models, click here.
Click here for a feature comparison chart.
Service News
If your computer is acting up, it could be caused by more than one thing. It could be a virus; it could be a software glitch; it could be an improper preference setting. One computer even popped on in the middle of the night for no apparent reason -- it turned out to be a short in the keyboard itself. But like any good car mechanic, the Tech Helpline staff starts with the obvious and moves into the less likely as we help you keep in good tech health. Give us a call.
Happy Computing,
Rachel Adams and your Tech Helpline Team
Copyright 2004 FAR