VPAR Technology Newsletter March 2009

Wallflower or butterfly? How are your social networking skills?

Tech Tips for the Novice Byte By Byte

Picture Perfect Real Estate

Backup & Bluetooth

Back-up

Backing up your files can seem like a waste of time until the disaster happens and your wonderful computer crashes. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it does happen. At that time you panic. Thinking about all the data and photos you have lost, but there is a solution if you have backed up your files. There are many options available to you. One is to back up your files into an external drive. Your choices are plentiful: i.e.: Zip drives, USB drives, USB memory stick are a few. You can also check with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Many ISPs reserve secure space on the web for you to back-up your files. You just need to check with your ISP. Here is a link that I recently came across which might help you decide what would work best for you. >> 8 Ways to Back-up your Data.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth, the word sounds familiar to most people these days, but the term itself is misunderstood as well. Bluetooth is simply a short-range radio technology that allows devices with this type of signal to send and receive data without a cable (wireless). i.e.: from your cellular phone to an earpiece, from your cellular phone to your computer (transmitting data, photos or video[restrictions apply to some cellular carriers]), from your wireless mouse to your computer. These are just a few examples of how we use this technology. So, when you hear the term Bluetooth, you will know that people are referring to a short-range radio signal and not the specific device that uses the Bluetooth to communicate.

When you think about it, Bluetooth devices can make your job as a real estate agent more efficient and safe. A Bluetooth headset for example would allow you to drive with both hands while still conducting business over your cellular phone. It also allows you to transfer your digital pictures from your camera or phone to your computer so they can be uploaded into a CMA or to the MLS. I have mentioned a few examples of the way you can enhance your business through the use of Bluetooth and keep in mind there are many more applications that can use this technology. Getting to know your devices and reading the owners manuals is a good start. If you are unsure about the multitude of uses for Bluetooth click here: Bluetooth Information or go to the retailers who sell these devices and they can usually give some helpful advcse.



We need your feedback! Please take our very brief survey and let us know how you liked our newsletter. Survey