Real Estate LEADER Magazine (Summer 2004) - Mississippi ...

Technology can byte back
Lessons learned the hard way
By Dane Skirtech
Acolleague once told me: "Good judgment comes from experience.
Unfortunately, experience usually comes from bad judgment". This is so
true when it comes to technology. Learning what not to do before you do
it could save you time and money. So let me share a few things about various
technologies that I’ve learned through "experience":
Digital Cameras
• Any camera over three mega pixels is overkill. Three mega pixels will produce
an 11X17 high-resolution image that is much larger than any of us will every
need. Anything bigger is a waste of money.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Keep a set of spare batteries
for your PDA with you at
all times.
•Be sure you sync your PDA
with your desktop at LEAST
once a day.
Computers
• Heat kills computers.
Keep your system as cool as
possible.
• You can never click the "save" button too much.
E-mail
• Be courteous. Don’t send huge files via e-mail (and don’t use an overly fancy
HTML signature in your e-mail window that slows down the speed with which
your recipients can open your message). Zip files first. Visit www.winzip.com,
download the latest version and install it. To zip a file for e-mail, simply "rightclick"
the file and select "zip and e-mail". This will compress your desired file
and automatically launch a new Outlook e-mail message with the file already
attached.
Printers
• If you buy a $79 printer, you will get a $79 printer. The funny thing is that the
ink refills for a $79 printer can cost up to $65. Stick with the leader. Buy a good
HP printer that will last.
Internet Service Providers
• Cheap "mom & pop" internet service providers are rarely "real web based
solutions." Chose a reputable ISP based on service, support and company background.
Security
Your data is your livelihood. And the risk of your database and computerized
files being compromised is great and very real. Don’t think it can never happen
to you. Take necessary steps to avoid becoming the next target of system breaches,
identity theft or back door virus attacks, including:
• Using current anti-virus software and install inexpensive hardware firewalls
(See virus protection article on this page for details).
• Using discretion when it comes to sharing personal or business information.
• Never sending banking account information via Instant Messenger or e-mail.
• Always contacting the sender before opening suspicious e-mail attachments.
n
Bug be gone: Making
virus protection a priority
By Mike Delamater
The biggest threat to your computer comes from malicious programmers
in the form of viruses. Viruses can destroy data on your computer,
cause lockups and spread themselves out to everyone in your
e-mail address book. Recent attacks such as Blaster and MyDoom replicated
themselves in just such a way.
How do you protect yourself? Get the best antivirus protection available,
and keep those definitions updated.
I highly recommend Symantec Norton AntiVirus software (www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/)
since it has an auto update feature that will check
for new virus definitions regularly when you are online and install them
when there are new ones available. This is all done transparently and without
any effort on the part of the user.
The Symantec Antivirus Research Center (SARC) (www.sarc.com) is
the leader in the virus protection field. When a virus is reported, SARC generally
has a response within 24 hours.
Broadband (DSL or cable) users who have more than one computer connected
to the internet generally have a built-in layer of protection. A router, the
equipment used to connect your network to the internet, offers protection by
keeping your machine invisible to users outside of your network.
Those who have only one computer connected to DSL or cable also
need an added layer of protection. There are software solutions such as
Norton Internet Security (www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pe/index.html)
or Norton Personal Firewall (www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/). However,
hardware solutions are best. Consider installing a router
between the modem and your PC. For more information
on broadband routers, please visit www.linksys.com. n
Mike Delamater is MAR’s Systems Administrator.
E-mail him at mdelamater@msrealtors.org.
New tech consulting services available through MAR
Take advantage of the Mississippi Association of REALTORS ® ’ new
technology consulting services and learn how you can optimize your use of
technology. Our tech team understands the unique needs of REALTORS ® and
how they can and should be using computers, networks, websites and contact
management systems to better their businesses. This affordable new member
benefit is available exclusively to MAR members at a nominal fee. Isn’t it about
time you invested in your success AND in your technology? To schedule a consultative
visit at your office, contact Dane Skirtech, MAR Director of
Information Technology, at dane@msrealtors.org or 800-747-1103.
11 / MISSISSIPPI REAL ESTATE LEADER / Summer 2004