Posting information on events such as farmers’ markets, garage sales, club meetings and city recreation programs to a calendar makes your website community resource. A resource worth bookmarking, Twittering or sharing on Facebook.

Best of all, updating a calendar is easier than writing an entire blog post.

Here are 4 ways to add an event calendar to your Wordpress website or blog:

1. Calendar

Calendar is a Wordpress plugin developed by Kieran O’Shea that looked like it was going to be abandoned. Fortunately, Kieran has picked up where he left off and just released an update.

This plugin creates an AJAX enabled calendar that is highly customizable. Events are managed directly from the Wordpress admin. Color coded categories can be used to differentiate types of events.

A sidebar widget allows for upcoming events to be displayed throughout your site. With a little CSS know-how, the calendar colors can be changed to match your website.

Go to PeninsulaHub.com to see this plugin in action.

2. Events Calendar

Another Wordpress plugin that adds a calendar page using a short code. Similar to the Calendar plugin with a few differences.

Events Calendar doesn’t offer event categories, but adds the ability to create a post or page from a calendar event. This can come in handy for those events that need a bit more promotion than a simple calendar entry.

The widget for this plugin not only allows for upcoming events to be listed, but gives an option for an AJAX enabled mini calendar to be displayed.

3. Events Manager

Events Manager Wordpress plugin takes a very different approach to an event calendar. This solution is much more interactive, making for a richer visitor experience.

Offering features such as Google map integration, RSVP management and an RSS feed, this plugin is loaded with functionality.

Events Manager is a great solution for posting real estate office meetings and trainings. However, the layout isn’t as conducive to community calendars with a lot of events to display.

4. EasyPHPCalendar

Sometimes you need more control and functionality than a simple Wordpress plugin can offer. Such was the case for a recently released MTO Sites project, Tribes.com. For that site, we looked outside of the Wordpress community and found EasyPHPCalendar.

EasyPHPCalendar is a PHP script that is extremely customizable. Events can be displayed on a full page calendar with mouse-over text, on mini calendars, listed on the page, or a combination of the three.

Color coded event categories can be created. A legend of the categories can be added to your site and a dropdown filter allows for only events in that category to be shown.

Images, links and text formatting of event postings is possible after installing the free WYSIWYG editor.
Although EasyPHPCalendar is a separate script from Wordpress, it integrates beautifully. Once installed and configured, PHP code can be added directly to your Wordpress template. This makes your calendar feel like part of the entire site to your visitors.

This script must to purchased ($19.95 to $49.90 depending on level of branding) and requires professional installation, but the functionality is worth the expense. When you consider the time you will invest in maintaining your community event calendar, this expense is nominal.

MyTechOpinion

Site visitors expect more from community websites than the occasional blog post. Adding an event calendar can add value without forcing you to spend an exorbitant amount of time writing content.

For assistance with this or any other Wordpress website related issue or need, contact MyTechOpinion and our MTO Sites design team.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Your Edge in Real Estate is Getting Sharper
• Why Ubertor For Your Next Real Estate Website?
• SMS Widget Makes Connecting Immediate…No Superpowers Required
• Sidebar "Bling" Cross Promotes Your Online Presence

One of the web hosting companies that we have grown very fond of over the last 2 years is Bluehost.com. This straight forward hosting service provides a level of service and low price that is hard to find. Here are the key reasons we use Bluehost and recommend it to our clients.

Cost

With monthly rates as low as $6.95 and no set-up fee, Bluehost is very economical. There is 1 hosting plan offered, so registration is simple. Pricing is based on how many months you pay in advance. Go with a year or more for discounted rates, you can cancel at any time and will receive a refund for unused time.

The hosting plan includes unlimited space and bandwidth, 2500 email accounts and a domain name (which you can take with you if you leave).

Support

Customer support is something you don’t think about until you need it. Bluehost offers 24/7 phone support and a live chat service. The live chat is wonderful for quick questions, but the phone wait isn’t bad, either.

Speed

Not talking about how fast a page loads, rather the speed at which actions take place on your hosting account. Many web hosting companies can take hours, if not days, to create your account and point your domain name to it. With Bluehost, this takes minutes. Installing Wordpress is a few clicks away and available for use immediately. Want to change email service to an Outlook Exchange host or Gmail? MX record changes are easy and take effect in minutes.

Flexibility

There are few things more frustrating than working on a feature for your site, only to find out that it won’t work on your web server. Right behind that in the frustration department is having to troubleshoot a website problem caused by server settings.

Bluehost has configured their servers to accommodate the open source trend that has brought us web solutions like Wordpress, Drupal, BuddyPress and more. It would be hard to find an easier platform to run Wordpress on.

With the ability to have 999 sub-domains, parked domains and add-on domains, you can run multiple websites from a single account. This is handy for the real estate agent whose has been collecting domain names over the years. Now they can all lead somewhere.

We here at MTO recommend Bluehost web hosting. If you use our Bluehost affiliate link, MyTechOpinion gets credit for referring you to their company.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• The Trick To Adding Local Search To Your Website or Blog
• Services
• Resources
• PSD2HTML for Coding Your Real Estate Blog Design
• Overcoming the Wordpress “Fatal Error: Allowed Memory Size” Error

While plugins can be a blessing, they also can cause problems with a website. This can come in the way of slow website performance or error messages.

One common error message experienced by those getting a bit “plugin happy” (activating a lot of plugins on a single Wordpress installation) is that of the “Fatal Error: Allowed memory size…” error.

This error message is a result of Wordpress exceeding it’s predetermined memory limit. Activating several large, high-functionality plugins can easily cause this problem.

Luckily, there is an easy fix.

Wordpress sets its memory limits within the wp-settings.php file. All that has to be done is change the memory limit from “32M” to “64M”.

Here are the step by step instructions:

• Open wp-settings.php in your favorite code editor. This file is in the root directory of your Wordpress installation
• Go to line #13 of wp-settings.php and locate ‘32M’
• Change the “32″ to “64″
• Save the file and FTP it to your server

Once this is complete, you should have no problems activating those large plugins. Keep in mind that too many plugins can negatively affect website performance, so choose your plugins wisely and only add those that add value to the visitor experience.

For assistance with this or any other Wordpress website related issue or need, contact MyTechOpinion and our MTO Sites design team.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• The Trick To Adding Local Search To Your Website or Blog
• Services
• Resources
• PSD2HTML for Coding Your Real Estate Blog Design
• MTO Interview: Behind the Great Real Estate Plug-In

This mobility has led to an army of real estate agents carrying small laptops. These lightweight devices are wonderful, until you need to present to a client.

Having 2 or 3 people huddled around a 13″ screen to view a listing presentation or homes for sale can be difficult, especially if anyone has a personal space issue. Even the best of presentations will lose some effectiveness given in this uncomfortable manner.

Thankfully, new technology has arrived to make you a mobile real estate titan.

The development of LED lighting technology has ushered in a new class of projector, the “mini-projector”. These tiny devices fit in the palm of your hand and weigh mere ounces. Unlike traditional projectors, LED lit models require no warm-up time and can last for over 10,000 hours.

Connectivity options for mini-projectors can include iPhone and iPod adapters. Can you imagine the impact of a client telling their friends, “My real estate agent pulled out his iPhone and a tiny projector from a pant pocket and showed me a short movie on why I should hire him”? Talk about a way to differentiate yourself from the competition.

Now, these projectors won’t win awards for picture quality. Due to their small size, you will need a fairly dark room and some distortion should be expected. But a 60 inch image out of device the size of a smart phone deserves a bit of slack on picture quality.

Here are a few mini-projectors to consider. They vary in size, price, connectivity options and functionality, so no one projector is best for every real estate agent.

• Dell M109S - One of the largest mini-projectors at nearly 1 pound, the Dell M109S is also the most like a traditional projector in form, connectivity and performance.
• 3M MPro110 - This tiny, battery-operated projector is truly a go anywhere mobile device.
• Optoma PK101 (Pico Pocket Projector) - The optional iPod adapter makes this mini-projector a must consider for the real estate agent addicted to their iPhone or iPod Touch.

For an investment of around $400, a mini-projector just may be what your mobile real estate presentation is missing.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• What Should A Real Estate Agent Look For In A Desktop Computer?
• The Future of Mobile Real Estate Technology Is Upon Us
• Simplifying Real Estate Agent Laptop Purchases
• Print Contracts And More from Your Car
• New compact technology for your mobile real estate business

How do you access all of your important files from each computer?

Luckily, software and hardware companies have created numerous ways to solve this problem. The right solution for you will depend on how much data you have, how consistently you have internet access and what your budget is.

Here are 4 ways to access your files remotely:

Microsoft SyncToy

Synctoy 2.0 is a free download from Microsoft. This small program allows you to synchronize files between folders and computers. Use this program to sync your data from a computer to another computer or an external storage device like a USB flash drive.

I used this program for over a year with great success. I created a network drive on my laptop and used Synctoy to transfer files over my network.

Strengths

• No internet connection necessary
• No data limit
• Free

Weaknesses

• Microsoft offers no support
• Syncing can take time
• Corrupted files can cause syncing to fail

Microsoft Live Sync

Previously called Microsoft FolderShare, Microsoft Live Sync is a free online folder synchronization service. Files are transferred from your computer to your Live Sync account. Those files can then be synced with another computer, accessed via a browser or shared with others.

Strengths

• Free
• Access your files from any internet connected computer
• Share files with others

Weaknesses

• Data limited to 2GB
• Requires an internet connection to access files

GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC is a paid service that provides remote access to your computer from any internet connected computer. Not only does the service provide access to your data, programs can be run remotely, as well.

Strengths

• Secure remote access to your data and programs
• No need to sync files

Weaknesses

• $20 a month fee
• Requires internet connection
• Computer with the data must be on

Seagate FreeAgent Go

Portable external hard drives have come a long way. Using laptop-size drives, these small devices provide storage capacities of up to 500GB.

While many manufacturers make portable drives, the Seagate FreeAgent Go is my favorite. They are the only company to offer a desktop dock and carrying case as an optional upgrade.

Simply configure the Seagate Sync software and your files are transferred to the external drive. Encryption is also available for added protection in case of theft or loss.

The Seagate FreeAgent Go is the solution that I use to have all of my files, photos, music and videos with me at all times.

Strengths

• No internet connect required
• Huge storage capacities
• Access files from any computer with a USB port

Weaknesses

• Drives cost $100-$150 plus $30 for the desktop dock and carrying case
• Syncing files can take time

When deciding on a solution for your real estate business, think about what files you need and where you will be accessing them. Some solutions require internet connections, so working at an open house is probably out of question. Other solutions can’t handle large volumes of data and are best suited for limited data needs.

Are you using a different solution to access files remotely? Share it with us.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• No related posts.

Though experts argue over the actual performance improvement seen by ReadyBoost, it is a simple and inexpensive way to add memory to a computer. With 4GB “ReadyBoost Ready” flash drives advertised for $10, even the smallest performance increase is worth the investment.

While I have considered a ReadyBoost drive essential equipment for any Windows Vista desktop, I have never incorporated it into a laptop computer. For portability purposes, having a thumbdrive constantly connected to my laptop seemed impractical.

Luckily, flash memory comes in other shapes and sizes.

Many laptops are now coming equipped with flash card readers. While these can be handy, many people don’t use them. In my case, my Dell laptop has an SD card reader, but I don’t own a device that uses SD cards. Hence, the card reader has remained unused, that is until recently.

To squeeze a bit more performance out of my laptop, I picked up a high-speed SD card to use as a ReadyBoost drive. With the way prices on flash memory has fallen, a 2GB SanDisk Ultra II on sale cost only $15.

Configuring the drive was a breeze. When the card was inserted, Windows gave me the option to use it for ReadyBoost and literally 3 clicks later, the set-up was complete. It took longer to get the card out of the packaging than to install it as a ReadyBoost drive.

Now, my laptop has an extra 2GB of high-speed memory to draw upon and it only cost $15 and a few minutes of time.
Here are a few requirements to consider before adding a ReadyBoost flash drive to your laptop computer:

• Your computer must be running Windows Vista
• The card reader in your laptop must be fast enough to support ReadyBoost. A quick Google search with the make and model of your laptop and the word “ReadyBoost” should answer that question for you.
• The flash memory needs to be high-speed. Many manufacturers will use terms like “100X” or “133X” instead of actually coming the card “high-speed”.

Not much real estate technology can be had for a mere $15 and little time investment. Collect all of the change in your couch cushions and the bottom of the washer machine. You should come up with enough money to pick up a quick laptop performance booster.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• The Real Estate Techie Holiday Gift List 2008

Utilities

Want the taskbar to extend across all screens? Want to display different wallpapers on each monitor or one large image across both screens? These and other features may require additional software. Here are a few utilities to get more control over your multiple monitor system.

UltraMon ($39.95)

Complete dual monitor utility that I currently use. The most feature rich of the dual monitor control programs. Features include:

• Wallpaper support
• Extension of the task bar to all monitors
• Additional buttons and menu choices for moving, throwing and sizing windows
• Shortcuts to open programs in specific locations
• Highly customizable

MultiMon (Free or $28 for Pro)
Dual monitor utility with 2 levels of functionality. A free version extends the taskbar across all monitors, adds a move to window button and a few other features. The pro version includes more customization and window management capabilities.

Display Fusion (Free)
Dual screen wallpaper utility with Flickr integration.

Wallpapers

The right image can really make your dual monitor system pop. These have to be very large and panoramic photos. Not really something that you will find in your My Pictures folder.

Here are some wonderful resources for stunning images that fit perfectly on a dual monitor computer.

• Hongkiat
• BestSitesList
• Dual-Display
• Dual Monitor Backgrounds
• Screen Treats

Custom Stands

The real downside of a dual monitor system is the added desk space taken up. Solve this problem with a multi-monitor stand. Available in configurations holding 2 or more monitors, these space saving devices can mount to a wall, furniture or simply stand on your desktop. ErgoTron and Planar are leading manufacturers of multiple monitor stands.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• StudioNow: The Affordable Answer to High-Quality Video
• MTO Vlog Contest, and the winner is…
• MTO Vlog Contest Finalists
• Market Like a Rockstar with Animoto
• Kick Off To MTO Vlogging Contest!

What is so special about using 2 monitors?

Besides making your friends think you are a computer genius, there are huge productivity benefits to having a second screen. Think of all of the programs that you have open during a typical business day. At any given point, you may have a browser or 2 open, Outlook, a few folders, a photo or video editing program, Twhirl or another Twitter application and maybe even iTunes for some background music. All of this can quickly clutter a computer screen.

Now, image that instead of one 22″ monitor, you have 2. Suddenly, you have twice the real estate to work with. You can move email and social networking activities to one monitor while reserving the other screen for browsing, photo editing and video creation.

No more shuffling through windows to get to what you want to work on next. Everything is already in front of you.

The economics of a dual screen system

Believe it or not, it is cheaper to buy 2 smaller monitors than 1 huge monitor.

Let’s look at an example of buying a high-end Dell 24″ monitor (UltraSharp 2408WFP) versus 2 comparable Dell 22″ monitors (UltraSharp 2208WFP). The 24″ monitor costs $690, while the 22″ monitors cost $249 each ($498 for 2). That is a $192 dollar savings.

Not only would you save money going with the two 22″ monitors, you actually get more working space than with a single 24″ monitor.

Tips for adding a second monitor

Video cards
You will need a video card with 2 ports. Upgraded video cards have included 2 ports for years, so your computer may be ready for a second monitor, already.

If your computer uses an integrated graphics system (found in entry-level computers), you will need to add an aftermarket video card. This is a simple and inexpensive upgrade. You don’t need a cutting-edge gaming card to perform real estate technology tasks, so you could get away with a card costing $100 or less.

Monitor choices
If you already have 1 monitor, try to purchase a second identical monitor. This will not only look better on your desktop, but it will mean that the colors and brightness are the same.

If you are unable to buy an identical second monitor, make sure that the new monitor has the same native resolution as your current monitor. Running 2 monitors with different resolutions complicates an otherwise simple configuration.

Buying 2 new monitors? Purchase screens whose size is in the current price-to-size sweet spot. Right now, 22″ monitors are the cheapest for the size. Prices go up considerably once you jump to the 24″ size or larger. This changes over time as larger monitor prices drop, so do your homework.

Pick up a second monitor and watch your productivity surge. It really is one of the smartest real estate technology investments you can make.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform Desktop Is Now Vista Compatible
• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Zillow Adds "For Sale" Listings
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista

In an effort to spark a discussion to rival any that we have had on MyTechOpinion, I would like to try something a bit different. A sort of editorial piece if you will.

I will ask a question, provide a few pieces of information to fuel the discussion and then allow you to weigh in. My hope is that different opinions and points of view can be presented in a way that will shed new light on the subject, as this is a question that has bewildered me for years.

With that said, here we go:

Is the Apple computer really as superior to a Windows computer as many Mac users would have you believe?

And now for the reasoning for this question:

Market Share

Although Windows and Apple computers have been around for decades, Windows has enjoyed dominate market share. Actual numbers vary, but Apple appears to have around 10% of the U.S. market (one analyst claims a 21% market share) and less than 3% of the worldwide market. Windows market share is slipping, but it still holds nearly 90% of the market.

Apple sales are growing rapidly, with sales 6 times that of the overall growth in computer sales. Coincidentally, the largest growth in Apple computer sales has come since the switch to an Intel platform allowing Windows to run on an Apple.

If Windows is so flawed and the Apple OS so superior, why are 9 out of 10 computers running Windows?

Apple Knows How to Dominate a Market

There is no doubt that Apple knows how to produce and market a product that can slaughter the competition. Take the iPod for example. Roughly 70% of all MP3 players are iPods. Look around any gym in America and you quickly realize just how many devices Apple has sold.

When Apple entered an already saturated phone market with the iPhone, they quickly made their presence felt. In 2008, over 10 million iPhones were sold. Apple has become the third largest cell phone company in terms of revenue and shipped more phones than RIM (the maker of Blackberry smartphones) during the third quarter of last year. During that same quarter, the iPhone outsold the well-established Windows Mobile smartphones in all of their various incarnations.

Add to these remarkable successes the strong media sales through iTunes and the App Store and you really get the feeling that Apple knows how to sell a product.

With such dominance in the electronic device market, why does Windows still dominate in the computer market?

Back To Our Question

If Apple has shown that they can dominate a market on numerous occasions but still hold a very small percentage of the computer market, is the Apple computer really as superior to a Windows computer as many Mac users would have you believe?

I can’t wait to hear what everyone has to say.

By the way, I am hoping for an intelligent discussion on the subject. Since I have already had Apple enthusiasts claim that Mac users will “eat my lunch” and that I should “consider another vocation”, let’s keep me out of the discussion. I got enough harassment at family gatherings over the holidays. This is purely about which computer system is better and why.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista
• Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents
• Why Ubertor For Your Next Real Estate Website?

How does this simplify?

• You only need one printer and one external hard drive since everyone can share them easily through the network.
• Need to access your real estate partner’s files? Have them saved to a network connected drive and quit bugging them to email it to you.
• Print wirelessly from your couch (I love this one).
• All devices remain connected, so going mobile with your laptop doesn’t require disconnecting numerous USB cables.

Many printers and external drives are network-ready, but they tend to come at a premium price. Also, what if you already have USB-only devices and you don’t want the expense of replacing them? This is where the Belkin Network USB Hub comes in.

Plug the Belkin Network USB Hub into your network and virtually any of your USB devices become network devices. With 5 USB ports, this hub provides plenty of room for an all-in-one printer, laser printer, external hard drive, flash drive, card reader or any other devices that would benefit from network access.

At $100, the Belkin Network USB Hub is a lot cheaper than replacing all of your USB devices with network-capable models.

There’s nothing like breathing new life into aging technology.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista
• Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents
• Why Ubertor For Your Next Real Estate Website?

One of the easiest ways to save power is to configure the power settings of your computer. By putting the computer to sleep when not in use, it can save quite a bit on the power bill.

Verdiem’s Edison PC Power Management Software makes configuring your Windows’ power scheme a breeze. This program is being offered for free by the Microsoft Environment division.

The Edison software provides an incredibly simple way to control when to shut down monitors, hard drives and put the entire computer to sleep. As you move a single slider from “Save Less” towards “Save More”, a chart updates the annual savings in money, energy and CO2 for that setting.

Edison also allows for your work day schedule to be set to have different power schemes running during work and at night.

This quick download could save $16 a computer per year in power consumption. For a real estate agent with several computers at home, this could be a noticeable savings. For the real estate broker with dozens of computers in the office, this could save hundreds.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform Desktop Is Now Vista Compatible
• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Zillow Adds "For Sale" Listings
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista

Before you jump in and start playing with your new toy, there is a fair amount of set-up and maintenance to perform. I know, you can’t wait and why does a new computer need maintenance? Trust me, a bit of work upfront will pay off on the long run. Besides, what else are you going to do on Christmas afternoon?

Surge Protection

This should go without saying. If you got a computer, but no surge protector, don’t plug it in without one. You’ll say that you will pick one up, but you never will. Take it from someone who lost an expensive stereo receiver in a beautiful green flash of light, always use a quality surge protector (cheap ones won’t do).

Image the Drive

Your hard drive is so clean and pristine when you first pull it out of the box. Capture that by making an image of the drive or a recovery disc.

HP and many other computer manufacturers put a recovery partition on the hard drive for restoring the computer to its fresh-out-of-the-box state. Use the recovery disc creation system to burn a set of recovery DVD’s. Remember, that recovery partition is worthless if the hard drive fails.

If you don’t have a recovery disc option, pick up drive imaging software to accomplish the same task. I have had great success with Acronis True Image Home. It retails for $50, but I found it on sale for less than $30. Use this program for your initial drive image and have it perform incremental backups on a daily or weekly basis to keep you protected.

Remove Bloatware

Most manufacturers load up a computer with trial software and limited versions of software. They do this because the software companies pay them in hopes that you will buy the full versions once the trial has ended or find the need for more functionality.

Unfortunately, all of that bloatware can greatly slow your computer’s performance and start times. I read one study that showed as much as an 18% increase in performance once the bloatware was removed.

You could always remove this junk manually, but why when you can download PCDecrapifier for free? This ingenious little program finds and removes bloatware from your system. Be sure to create a restore point and your recovery discs or drive image prior to running PCDecrapifier. If something you wanted to keep is removed, this will help you to restore it.

Install a Security Suite

Most experts agree that an unprotected computer connected to the internet will be attacked within 4-10 minutes. That barely enough time to make a bag of microwave popcorn!

Buy a quality internet security suite that includes antivirus protection and a firewall. Standalone anti-virus programs aren’t enough to guard against all types of threats. Free anti-virus software can be tempting, but this isn’t an area to skimp.

Lastly, make sure that you keep the virus definitions up-to-date and that your subscription is current. New threats come out on a daily basis that you need to be protected against.

Check for Updates

Software isn’t perfect. Even after thorough testing, bugs and security holes are found months after programs are sold. Luckily, software manufacturers continuously work to improve their products and offer updates as problems are fixed.

That shiny, new computer under the tree may have left the manufacturer months before. Most likely, new updates have come out since that computer went into the box.

Here are the items that may need updating:

• Windows will most certainly need updating as Microsoft releases updates on a weekly basis. Many updates will download automatically, but you still should go to Windows Update to get recommended updates. While you’re there, install Microsoft Update to update Microsoft Office with your Windows updates.
• Programs will need updating. Some programs will prompt you when updates are ready to download, while others require you to go to the manufacturer’s website to check for updates. To make software updates easier, install a program called Secunia PSI. This handy program scans your computer and notifies you when a program has an update available. This will prove to be a huge timesaver.
• Hardware drivers and firmware may need updating. Go to the computer manufacturer’s website to find updates specific to your system. BIOS, video card and chipset updates can greatly improve system performance and stability, but can be a very tricky task for the computer novice. If you feel you may get in over your head, pay the small fee to have a professional do the updates. They will know what to do if something should go wrong (and it probably will).

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to enjoy your new computer. Your system will be protected against possible threats, will be performing at its best and you’ll be prepared in the event of a system failure.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• No related posts.

Luckily, you probably don’t need to replace your digital camera to get this amazing functionality.
Thanks to the Eye-Fi Wireless Memory Card, any digital camera that uses an SD card can become Wi-Fi enabled.

After a short configuration process, the Eye-Fi memory card will automatically upload your photos to your computer or a favorite photo sharing website. This can take place through your home or office’s wireless network or from anywhere internet access is available. As in this real life example, the photo transfer could take place even after the camera is lost or stolen.

The uses for this technology in the real estate industry are endless:

• Photos of a new listing could be transmitted back to the office for marketing pieces to be started on immediately.
• Make the digital photography easier for those real estate agents with an aversion to technology.
• Community focused bloggers, share photos quickly by posting to Flickr or any of more the 20 photo sharing sites.
• Not remember where a photo was from or what house it was in? Automatic Geotagging of photos will provide a quick answer to where the photo was taken at.

Eye-Fi Wireless Memory Card models range in price from $80 to $130 for 2-4 GB of storage. This is a lot costlier than a $20 standard 2GB SD card. If convenience and ease of use are important to you and your real estate business, the investment could be well worth it.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• No related posts.

With laptops and smart phones, it would seem that the mobile real estate agent’s computing needs are fulfilled. When the laptop is too much to carry, you have the smart phone for email, internet and even document creation. What else would anyone need?

Unfortunately, the smart phone isn’t the perfect mobile companion for everyone. As eye sight goes, those tiny screens get tough to read. On top of that, the thumb-stroke keyboard is only suitable for short messages.

A new class of notebook, the “micro” or “mini”, has hit the market to fill the void between the laptop and smart phone. Equipped with 9-10″ LED screens, full keyboards, webcams, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and solid state hard drives, these mini notebooks make checking email and surfing the internet a real join.

These aren’t laptop replacements. The low power components used in these systems does limit their capabilities, but most real estate agents don’t need a lot computing power on the go. They simply need to write an email, check a listing on the MLS or surf the web and watch an online video or two.

A real benefit to using a low power machine is battery life. Some mini notebooks are boasting 8 hour battery life.

The ASUS Eee PC is the leader in the mini notebook market, but the Dell Mini 9 and HP Mini-Note are new products that are growing in popularity. Prices vary, but some models start at under $400.

There are a lot of configuration options when buying a mini notebook. Operating system, hard drive size and type, memory, web cam, wireless connectivity are all items that you will need to decide upon. You can create systems that are tiny Windows-based laptops or barebones, high efficiency handheld computers.

When configuring your mini notebook, remember that this isn’t going to replace a traditional laptop. You don’t want a lot of power and functionality. You won’t need it. You want quick and easy implementation of basic computing needs.

A few recommended options:

• Solid state drive instead of spinning hard drive - less capacity but faster, more energy efficient and reliable
• Upgrade to the most RAM available
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - wireless connectivity continues to grow in usefulness
• Quality webcam for Skype video calling
• Linux instead of Windows for the operating system

The choice of Linux is a bit unusual, but well worth it. Windows is slow and a resource hog, Linux will run faster and start quicker. You will be limited on software for the Linux, but that isn’t an issue. Since you are using the mini notebook for just email, internet and docs, web services and free applications like Google Docs, web-based email and Open Office will meet your needs.

You can bet that a mini notebook will be on my holiday wish list.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• What Should A Real Estate Agent Look For In A Desktop Computer?
• The Future of Mobile Real Estate Technology Is Upon Us
• Simplifying Real Estate Agent Laptop Purchases
• Print Contracts And More from Your Car
• New compact technology for your mobile real estate business

Sound like an inventory of the technology in your real estate office? How do you share those devices with both computers?

Playing the old USB cable switch-a-roo? While this game can burn extra calories and is entertaining to watch, it is a real pain.

Getting crafty with device sharing over a network? This is a better solution with 2 major shortcomings:

(1) The host computer needs to be on to use the devices. This is tough if all of your computers are laptops.
(2) If you work in a large office, your devices will probably be exposed to everyone on the network. Yikes!

Finally, a better solution is available with the release of the Kensington ShareCentral.

The ShareCentral is a hub that allows 2 computers to share USB devices easily. Connect both computers and your peripherals to share devices with the push of a button. It even supports Automatic Printer Sharing on Windows XP and Vista machines, for effortless printing.

The ShareCentral comes in 1, 2 and 5 device models to fit the needs of any real estate agent. Go for the 5 device model to give yourself a bit of room to grow.

To cut down on confusion, Kensington throws in labeled button covers. The large printer, scanner and hard drive icons make peripheral switching a breeze, even without putting on your glasses.

A little bonus, the ShareCentral acts as a USB hub by allowing 5 devices to be connected to only 1 computer port. A huge benefit for those with limited USB ports.

Models range in price from $40 to $80 and can is available at most electronic stores and online.

Pick one up and simplify your computing experience.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Simplify Your Real Estate Technology Needs

Heat has always been an even bigger issue with laptop computers. Heat producing components are crammed into the smallest cases possible. This leaves very little room for cooling systems, which are usually limited to tiny exhaust fans. Not quite adequate.

Use your laptop for an extended period of time and feel the bottom. It is hot! People have burned their legs from this heat. Furniture has even been marred from it.

Thankfully, there is an easy, inexpensive solution to the laptop heat issue.

Manufacturers, such as Targus, Belkin and Antec, are producing laptop cooling pads. These thin plates contain 1 or more cooling fans and are powered via a USB cable. When you set your laptop on one of these devices, fresh air is continuously blown on the bottom of the laptop keeping it cool.

I was very skeptical of these cooling devices. I doubted their effectiveness. They seemed too bulky to carry with my laptop. I was also concerned with laptop battery life due to the power draw of the extra fans.

After using my Targus Laptop Chill Mat for a month, I wouldn’t use my laptop without it. Here are a few benefits that I have experienced:

• My laptop no longer slows or locks up after running for awhile.
• It is now comfortable to use my laptop on my lap for long periods and my furniture is safe.
• I can use my laptop in bed without fear of the blankets blocking air flow to the exhaust fans.
• Turns out that a cooler running computer is a more efficient computer, so I haven’t noticed any battery life changes using the extra fans.
• The cooling mat is very light and slides into my laptop bag easily, making transporting the device a breeze.

In short, every laptop toting real estate agent needs this technology. It will improve your computing experience and will extend the life of your expensive laptop.

Cooling mats start at around $30. Models that integrate a USB hub (a handy addition if you are short on USB ports) start at around $50. With a bit of patience, you can get a deal on one. Each week, Best Buy, Circuit City or Staples will usually have a cooling mat on sale. I decided the model that I wanted and waited a couple of weeks until I found it on sale for $20. One of the cheapest technology investments you can make.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform Desktop Is Now Vista Compatible
• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Zillow Adds "For Sale" Listings
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista

Just as quickly as Windows Vista became the only operating system choice at the big-box stores, it seems that the 64-bit version of Vista is becoming the pre-installed version of choice. It has gotten difficult to find a Dell or HP computer at such stores as Best Buy, Circuit City or Costco that doesn’t have an edition of Vista 64-bit installed.

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Vista?

Without getting too geeky, 64-bit operating systems can use more RAM. 32-bit systems are mathematically limited to 4 GB of RAM. This total includes the video card memory, as well.

For computers, such as mine, with 4GB of RAM and a hefty video card installed, only 3-3.5 GB of the RAM will be recognized and utilized.

So 64-bit must be better than 32-bit, right?

In the long run, it will allow for more powerful computers. Unfortunately, real estate agents making the switch to a 64-bit platform could experience a lot of compatibility issues.

What types of issues should I expect when switching to 64-bit Vista?

Before going to a 64-bit system, do your homework.

Make a list of every peripheral that you own (printer, scanner, digital camera, web cam) and every piece of software that you could not do without.

Once you have that list, go to each manufacturer’s website to determine 64-bit compatibility. Hardware will need compatible drivers. Software may need patches to work.

If the manufacturer doesn’t offer any real answers, Google it. A quick search for “Vista 64-bit compatibility with…” can provide a wealth of information. Forums are filled with real-life accounts of computer users and their 64-bit experiences.

Be prepared to find out that a peripheral will need to be replaced or a newer version of a program will need to be purchased to be compatible.

What was my switch to 64-bit Vista like?

My computer seemed to be the perfect candidate for an upgrade from 32-bit Vista Ultimate to the 64-bit version. It has 4 GB of RAM and a video card with 768 MB of memory. On the 32-bit platform, only 3.2GB of memory was recognized. Seemed like a waste of money to have bought all that RAM for only 80% to be utilized.

After careful deliberation, I decided to jump into the 64-bit world. My reasoning: if 64-bit systems are being sold to mainstream users and my hardware and software are relatively new, it should be a safe switch. Besides, I wanted to use all of my RAM (or go all out and install the maximum 8 GB of RAM).

I did my research. I went to manufacturer websites, did Google searches and even directly contacted tech support for a few questionable pieces of equipment.

Overall, my experience was dreadful. Even with my careful research, I ran into issues:

• Spysweeper isn’t compatible and had to be thrown out.
• My iPod corrupts each time I sync. I now use my XP laptop to sync via my network.
• A BIOS update was required to keep a USB card from freezing my computer.
• Symantec spent a total of 9 hours remotely controlling my computer to get Norton Internet Security 2008 to work.
• Outlook won’t shut down.
• The system won’t hibernate anymore.
• Acrobat needed a patch before it would create a PDF.

While some of these issues will eventually be resolved (through countless hours on my part), they are definitely affecting my productivity and computing enjoyment.

I would not recommend anyone go through this hassle. The performance boost is not substantial enough to justify the time and energy spent.

What to consider when purchasing a new computer?

Eventually, you will need a new computer. Should you find a system with 32-bit Vista or go with 64-bit versions?

Before you know it, 64-bit computing will be common place. The progression is inevitable. Purchasing a 32-bit computer now will only lead to regret in the near future when everything is running on 64-bit.

Luckily, many of the upgrade problems that I ran across won’t be an issue for computers purchased with 64-bit Vista pre-installed.

Just as I recommended for real estate agents making the jump to Windows Vista, do your research and expect to pay more on your next computer purchase. The extra money isn’t for the computer (new computers are ridiculously cheap these days), it is for new peripherals and software.

That 6-year-old printer might print just fine for you, it may not be 64-bit compatible and need to be replaced. Your copy of Acrobat 7 might suits your needs for PDF conversion, but a purchased upgrade to 8.1 or newer is required to run on a 64-bit computer.

When budgeting for a new computer, expect to spend nearly as much on software upgrades and new peripherals as you do on the computer, itself.

The good news: 32-bit computing has been the standard since 1995, so 64-bit technology should be around for awhile.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform Desktop Is Now Vista Compatible
• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Zillow Adds "For Sale" Listings
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista

The HP Touchsmart PC is the latest all-in-one computer system to hit the market. Much like the Apple iMac, Dell XPS One and Gateway One, the HP Touchsmart PC incorporates the entire computer into the monitor housing. No need for a separate CPU cluttering your desk or floor, this class of computer is a dream for those with limited space.

What separates the Touchsmart PC from the competition is the inclusion of a 22″ touchscreen monitor. As tablet laptops have done for years, the Touchsmart PC allows you to interact directly with objects on the screen. Better than a tablet laptop, though, since it was designed to be used with your fingers instead of a stylus.

The similarities between the Touchsmart PC and a laptop computer go well beyond just the touchscreen technology. Looking at the specifications of the Touchsmart PC, it would appear to be more of a huge laptop than a compact desktop computer.

Utilizing many laptop components, the Touchsmart PC runs on an energy efficient Intel Core 2 Duo platform. A slot loading DVD burner, 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard slot, Bluetooth and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity are just some of the features you expect to see in a laptop computer, not a desktop PC.

The Touchsmart PC isn’t short on traditional desktop features, though. A 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM, a Gigabit network card and integrated hi-def TV tuner allow the Touchsmart PC to compete with most multimedia desktops on the market.

Marketed as a multimedia computer for the family room or kitchen, the HP Touchsmart PC could possibly be the perfect computer for real estate agents.

For many real estate agents, interacting with a computer is cumbersome. Using a mouse on a horizontal plane to guide a pointer on a vertical plane is not an intuitive action. Using the Touchsmart PC makes interacting with objects on the screen much more natural.

Imagine browsing the internet by touching website buttons instead of clicking on them with a mouse. How about playing a video tour of a listing by touching the play button with your finger? You could even move pictures around a listing flyer with a simple swipe.

The real estate business applications of this technology are limitless. It would be a shame to only use this machine in your family room.

For any real estate agent who dreads their daily interactions with a computer, the Touchsmart PC is a great computer to invest in. Much as the iPhone is changing the way that real estate agents perform mobile computing activities, the Touchsmart will alter real estate computing at the desk.

Check out these comprehensive video demo of the HP Touchsmart PC:

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform Desktop Is Now Vista Compatible
• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Zillow Adds "For Sale" Listings
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista

This lack of ability to power down isn’t uncommon with technology. Many scanners, printers, external hard drives and speakers are very difficult to shut them off.

The push for being green and the need to save money in this real estate market calls for a better solution than simply leaving everything on. This is where the APC Back-UPS ES 750 VA comes in.

The APC Back-UPS ES750 VA is more than a 10 outlet surge protector with battery backup. It is a power saving device, as well.

The ES750 incorporates 3 outlets that are controlled by the power status of the master. In English, you plug your computer into the master outlet and the ES750 powers up the 3 controlled outlets when the computer is on. The controlled outlets are powered down when the computer shuts off.

Available for under $90, the APC Back-UPS ES750 is a solid choice to protect your sensitive real estate technology from power surges and power outages. It also could end up paying for itself as APC claims a $40 a year energy bill savings when using the ES750.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Zipform (Winforms) Is Fully Windows Vista and Apple Compatible
• Yugma Online Meetings for Real Estate Agents
• Winforms meets Microsoft Vista
• Windows Vista for Real Estate Agents
• Why Ubertor For Your Next Real Estate Website?

The problem that I have had in writing the post has come that my experiences with mobile inkjet printers. Poor print quality and speed, and fragile construction has made it difficult to recommend any real estate agent rely on one of these devices.

The latest generation of mobile printers by Canon and HP are revitalizing the idea of printing on the go. Both companies have mobile inkjet printers that produce quality prints at a surprisingly fast rate.

Top Mobile Printer Models

The Canon Pixma iP100 is the latest entry in a long line of Canon mobile inkjet printers. Unlike its predecessors, this new model performs more like larger desktop printers. Printing with 5 ink colors at up to 20 pages per minute, the issues that I have experienced using an older Pixma iP90 seem to have been addressed.

The HP Officejet H470wbt is the top of the HP line of mobile printers. Unlike its less expensive siblings, the H470wbt includes both a Bluetooth adapter and a lithium battery. Printing speed of the Officejet H470wbt bests the iP100 by 2 pages per minute, but color prints may be hindered by the inclusion of only 4 ink colors.

Choosing the Right Mobile Printer

Deciding which printer is right for you will depend on how you will be using the printer.

As with other Canon printers, the Pixma iP100’s real strength is in photo printing. It also has a lower price than the HP model, thanks to the lack of an included battery or Bluetooth adapter. These accessories and others, such as a car adapter, are available but will easily add another 60% or more to the price of the device.

The Canon is a better choice for the real estate agent who will be printing within reach of a power outlet and doesn’t mind connecting a USB cable (or doesn’t have a Bluetooth adapter in their laptop).

The HP Officejet H470wbt focuses on truly mobile business printing. The included lithium battery and Bluetooth adapter allow a real estate agent to print from anywhere, without the need for power outlet or USB cable.

While the price of the HP may seem higher than the Canon, it is actually cheaper than the iP100 with the optional Bluetooth adapter and lithium battery. This makes the HP the choice for the truly model warrior. Just pull out the Officejet, drop in paper and print from any Bluetooth-enabled device, like a laptop or smartphone.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• What Should A Real Estate Agent Look For In A Desktop Computer?
• The Future of Mobile Real Estate Technology Is Upon Us
• Simplifying Real Estate Agent Laptop Purchases
• New compact technology for your mobile real estate business
• Is eSignature Technology Right for Your Real Estate Business?