Real estate agents and other independent contractors who have to buy their own equipment often ask how long a computer should last, and how often they should expect to have to purchase a new one.

Most experts agree that you’ll probably have to replace your computer every 3-5 years.  That being said, there are a number of variables that can shorten or lengthen your computer’s lifespan.

• What kind of computer do you have? In general, business-grade computers are built with better components and are designed to be used reliably day in and day out.   The typical consumer doesn’t run his or her computer 40+ hours a week non-stop, so consumer-grade computers are built with less reliable parts to help keep the cost down.  Thus, a computer designed and built for business will probably offer you better performance over a longer period of time.

• How do you take care of your computer? Extremes of heat or humidity can bring your computer to an early demise.  Desktop computers should be kept free of dust and dirt, and portable computers should be handled with care.  When plugged in, your computer should always be on a surge protector to minimize power surges that can burn out computer components.

• How do you use your computer? If you’re only using your computer to check e-mail and log in to your local MLS on the Internet, you’ll probably be able to use it longer.  The main thing that causes people to have to replace computers is they want or need to use software the computer can no longer run.  But if you’re not upgrading to the latest software and you’re not trying to use the newest computer applications, you can probably continue to get by with an older model.  Keep in mind, however, that software companies often force you to upgrade; when it’s time to renew your anti-virus subscription, for example, you might find that you’re required install a new version that is too powerful for your older computer.

• Did you buy it with longevity in mind? One way to keep your computer as long as possible is to invest more in it in the beginning. First, as we’ve already mentioned, look for a computer built for business.  Then, try to get as much memory (known as RAM) as you can afford.  It will most likely be lack of memory that will keep you from running newer software down the road.  Invest in a large hard drive so you don’t run out of storage space.  Also, when you have a choice, always purchase a computer with the newest operating system rather than an older one that is likely to be phased out soon.

When you get ready to install new software on your computer, it’s important to review the system requirements for the software and to compare them with the resources your computer has available.

One resource you have to pay attention to is RAM, which stands for random access memory.  Computer programs need memory in order to run; the more RAM you have, the more smoothly your software will operate.  Here’s how to find out how much RAM your computer has.

If your computer is running on Windows XP, follow these steps.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Go to Control Panel.
3. Click System.

You’ll get a screen that displays several key aspects of your computer system, including how much memory you have.

If your computer is running on Window 7, do the following:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Right click on Computer in the right column.
3. Select Properties.

Again, you’ll get a screen that lets you view basic information about your computer.  Toward the bottom of the screen, you’ll see information on how much RAM is available.

It’s also easy to find this information on the Mac. Click the Apple Menu and select About this Computer. You’ll get a nice little window that summarizes your system information.

In our previous post, we looked at syncing strategies for Mac and iPhones.  The focus was on people who use iCal and Address Book as their primary place to store events and contacts.

Today it’s Google’s turn.  If you use the Google Calendar, Google makes it easy to sync that calendar with your phone or desktop computer.  And if you’re using Gmail, you probably have dozens of names and addresses in your contact list.  Google sync handles that as well, helping you manage your contacts across all your devices.

Google Sync uses push technology to keep your devices synchronized; update a phone number son your computer and the new info is pushed automatically to your other devices.  Add an event to the calendar on your synced mobile phone and that change will be reflected automatically on your Google calendar.

Google Sync works with the Iphone, BlackBerry, Android and Windows Mobile phones, among others.  The features vary, depending on what kind of phone you have, but the push technology works for most phones.  You can also sync to Outlook on your PC or iCal and Address Book on your Mac

If you’re using Google Apps at your workplace, your system administrator has to enable syncing.  Otherwise download the syncing software and get step-by-step instructions here for syncing Google to your phone.  Or learn how to sync calendars and contacts to any device at the Google Sync Services website.

Because Internet criminals are getting smarter all the time, computer users need to find a way to stay one step ahead.  You should never user the Internet without some kind of anti-virus or Internet security software installed.

A good anti-virus package protects you in several ways:

• The anti-virus part of the package scans your computer files on a regular basis looking for malicious programs that may have come to you from other computers.
• The package should also include anti-spyware protection to guard against programs that lurk on your computer and keep track of what you’re doing.
• A firewall is essential to prevent unfriendly content from reaching your computer through your Internet connection, so most basic anti-virus packages include that too.
• And because new viruses and threats are being unleashed all the time, your software has to stay up to date in order to find them.  Therefore, a basic anti-virus package usually goes out to the Internet on a regular basis to pull in updated virus information.

You can also choose to install a more sophisticated Internet security suite.  An Internet security suite goes beyond the basics and may include a way to:

• Verify the safety or authenticity of the websites you visit;
• Remember your passwords and protect your personal data;
• Protect you from spam;
• Back up your data.

Top Ten Reviews compares the leading Internet Security Suites.   Click here to see their side-by-side comparison.

© Suprijono Suharjoto - Fotolia.com

Not long ago, we wrote about why you should have your own laptop computer.  But having a laptop computer is useless unless you also have a way to get on the Internet when you don’t happen to be at home or in your office.   Without the Internet, your computer is little more than an expensive paperweight that you carry around from place to place.

Fortunately it’s possible to have Internet access for your computer and your other devices wherever you happened to be.  Here are two great tools that let you have Internet anywhere.

TetherBerry

First, some background.  It’s possible to use your cell home like a modem.  Anywhere you can get a cell phone signal, you can tether your phone to your computer and use the cell phone’s wireless capabilities to get on the Internet.  Many phones allow you to do this (the Iphone is a notable exception), but the process is clumsy and difficult, and data transmission is slow.

TetherBerry solves many of these problems by offering an inexpensive fix that works with all Blackberrys and all carriers. Download the software from the Tetherberry website, install it on your computer and on your Blackberry and you’re ready to roll.  Right now it only works for Windows computers, but a Mac version is being tested.

To find out more, follow these links:

• Read a review:  www.smartphonenation.com
• Learn how to use it: www.newBBie.com
• Buy the software and get started:  www.tetherberry.com

MiFi™

Another great way to stay connected is with the MiFi™.  Offered by Verizon and Sprint, the MiFi™ is a small, battery-powered wireless modem that turns a cell phone signal into a your own personal wi-fi hotspot.  Barely bigger than a credit card, this device can be charged when you’re near a plug, then carried in your purse or pocket to give you a wi-fi signal that goes where you go.  Use it to get on the Internet while you’re out and about without having to search for a wi-fi hotspot.  You can even invite others to get under your wi-fi umbrella as the MiFi™ can accommodate up to five devices at a time.

To find out more, follow these links:

• See a picture and read a review:  www.wired.com
• Watch a video demonstration here
• Learn about your “wi-fi to go” options in this New York Times article
• Get pricing and details from Verizon and Sprint

There may be a computer in the broker’s office, but you don’t have to use it.  In fact, you’re better off having and using your own laptop.  Here are some reasons why:

1. You can save your work. If you’re sharing a computer with everyone else in the office, the documents you save today can be erased by someone else tomorrow.   To protect your work, keep it on your own computer.
2. You can customize your settings.  You can install the software you want and you can configure the settings to match how you like to work.  That saves you time and effort.
3. It goes where you go. You can start something at the office and finish it when you get home.  You can work while you’re waiting for a client or when you’re hosting a slow open house.  You can even work while you’re out of town.  And you’re not dragging around a bunch of papers.
4. It can help you (and your listings) look good. With the right software, you can give impressive presentations to clients or run attention-getting slide shows at your open house.
5. It makes meetings interactive. Your can sit down with buyers, for example, and review properties online.  That keeps you from printing out lots of listing sheets or taking buyers to properties they don’t really need to see.
6. It can help you market yourself.  Open your laptop and review listings when you stop for a snack at web-enabled establishments like Starbucks or Panera.  You’re guaranteed to meet people who are interested in real estate.  Make sure you have plenty of business cards.
7. It signals to clients that you’re ready for work in the 21st Century. Nothing screams “old school” like having to say: “I’m sorry, I couldn’t look that up because the computer in the office was down.”

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ndevil/ / CC BY 2.0

A portable, laptop computer is pretty much a requirement for the tech-enabled real estate professional.  But should it be a notebook computer or one of those newer inexpensive “netbooks”?

Netbooks are small computers designed to be used on the go.  Best Buy describes them as perfect for travel or as a supplement to your main computer, ideal for surfing the Web and using e-mail.  With prices in the $300-$500 range, they’re gaining in popularity and now account for about 10% of all PC sales.

Typically, netbooks weigh less than 3 lbs., have a 10” or smaller screen, and are equipped with a smaller keyboard as well.  They also have reduced computing power and are unlikely to have a CD or DVD player.  Their small size makes them ultra-portable; some are barely bigger than a paperback book and can fit in a large jacket pocket.  Some tech experts argue, however, that their shortcomings may make them inappropriate for business use.

Of greatest concern is whether a netbook will have the microcomputing power to do your everyday tasks.  Most can do simple word processing, but agents often need a computer than can handle digital images or run a slide presentation.  A netbook may have trouble with these.  Also, small screens and small keyboards may make them too uncomfortable to use for long periods of time.

If you’re thinking of having a netbook as your only computer, test it thoroughly to see if the fit is right for you.  Be certain that it works with your camera, your printer, your music player, and anything else you plan to connect to it.  Also be sure it can run any software you’ll want to add.