Technology For Agents

When protecting your computer, you’ll inevitably get to the point to where you’ll have to decide on your anti-virus solution. Most agents I know would rather not fiddle with such a task, but realize that without the proper attention, leaving your computer exposed could be deadly to the productivity in your business.

What is there to choose from? There’s plenty; though that doesn’t mean that each one was created equal. Some anti-virus software has a tendency to filter way too much; even to the point of interrupting tasks that you, the owner, need to do yourself that you know are safe for your computer.

What you’ll need is software that gives you the freedom to use your computer without persistent interruptions, all while maintaining a strong protection against the “common cold”.

Two Solid Options

Most of the agents I know use Microsoft Windows, so the recommendations I’ll point out below will be based on this assumption.
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To all of my vista agents: Windows Vista SP1 was released recently, and you should be sure to update your computer as soon as possible. Having the latest editions of your software is always a good thing.

With this release, Windows hopes to fix a boat load of bugs and to tweak their software for better performance all-around.

Windows Vista SP1 is an update to Windows Vista that, along with improvements delivered via these other channels, addresses feedback from our customers and partners. By providing these fixes integrated into a single service pack which will be thoroughly tested by Microsoft and by industry partners and customers during the beta cycle, Microsoft provides a single high quality update that minimizes deployment and testing complexity for customers.

Updating your computer is as simply as starting the update program found by left-clicking on the Windows Logo on the bottom left hand side of your desktop,  then searching for “Windows Update”.

A program named “Windows Update” should be found.  Simply left click on it to begin the updating process.  As always, make sure you save all documents and can devote at least an hour to updating your computer.

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Sorting through the vast amount of choices you are presented when customizing your next computer can be quite an endeavor. You’re presented with numerous specifications and names of products that you’re probably not too familiar with.

The amount of memory you have in your computer can really make a difference in how your computer functions day to day. If you are building a new computer or looking to figure out what’s wrong with an old one, you might want to take the amount of memory you have into consideration.

Learning About Memory

Windows XP doesn’t tend to be a big memory hog like Windows Vista has become; but then again high memory requirements isn’t such a bad problem anymore as memory has become very affordable.

Where will you see the most benefit? When you have multiple windows open on your screen, maybe one your property search and the other your contact database, computers have a tendency to slow down. With the coming of tabbed browsing in the latest internet browsers like Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox, this effect becomes even more apparent.

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Choosing the right monitor can be a bit daunting. Should you go the affordable route and purchase a CRT (the huge and heavy monitors), or should you invest in a space saving LCD? The prices for LCD monitors has been plummeting in recent years, so if you’re in the market for a new monitor; I have just the one for you.

The Acer AL1916WABD is a 19″ widescreen monitor with resolutions capable of up to 1440×900, has a 5ms refresh rate, and includes DVI ports for high quality video. This technical jargon in lamens terms simply says that the monitor has a lot of on screen desktop space, can keep up with playing a computer game here and there because of the high performance refresh rate, and the cord that goes from the computer to the monitor is one of the the best you can use at the moment.

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When starting your real estate career, forming a team, or even improving the tools you work with now many agents will ask what kind of computers to buy. Dell is a common response around our office, being that all the office computers and monitors are manufactured by Dell.

When considering to purchase a Dell, be sure to do your research prior to ensure you are making a wise choice. When performing my own research, I stumbled across this post by the Consumerist.

A former Dell kiosk manager writes us to share helpful tips about doing business with Dell. He has no particular problems with Dell, he just wanted to share some helpful tips for consumers looking to get the best deal. - The Consumerist

Inside, the sales manager goes into detail on great tips on buying your next Dell computer. If you are looking to purchase a computer in the near future, this is a definite read. Dell doesn’t want this information to be public, so grab it while you can!

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