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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At the end of January, Microsoft released a much anticipated edition of their Windows family. This version is said to have a drastic increase in security, performance, and looks. Real estate agents who have a computer most likely use Windows XP Home or Professional. Do real estate agents need to upgrade to Vista at this time?

Probably Not

Windows Vista is a great looking product. You’ll be surprised to hear that Vista’s main competitor it’s predecessor Windows XP. Microsoft’s main challenge is convincing it’s current user base to move up to the next version of Windows when XP has probably been working just fine for them.

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I’ve been using the Toshiba Portege M400 for quite a bit now, and was a bit flustered that the M400 did not allow for an external monitor with widescreen resolutions.  The M400 couldn’t be forced to use a 1680×1050 resolution, which is fantastic on a Dell 2005FPW.  Little did we know that Toshiba recently released a bios update to version 2.03 that will allow the M400 to support widescreen resolutions.

If you own an M400, go get that update!

Toshiba Portege M400 Bios Update 2.03 from Toshiba

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I’ve been asked around the office on how I keep my computers and laptops running smooth; free of spyware, viruses, and adware. I’ve setup a routine that I commonly go through weekly that seems to do the trick for my business and personal computer needs. You could use this same system I’ve derived through years of trial and error.

Anti-Virus

Everyone needs some form of anti-virus software; it is a necessity. My anti-virus of choice is free, which makes it even more enticing to use. I currently use AVG Free Edition, and it readily suits the needs that I have day to day.

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