File Organization
Posted at 5:30 AM, Jun. 13, 2006
I've seen people that use various methods of filing stuff on their PC's most of which really aren't, organized that is. I thought it might be useful to show you what I do. Not that I have the best way, but certainly "A Way" that may get you thinking about getting your "stuff" organized.
FIRST, EVERYTHING is under "My Document" I NEVER take the application program default. For one thing, it make backing up everything easier. See http://peterscottnj.realtownblogs.com/equipment/backup-suggestions/
Here is the basic outline:
My Documents
- Downloads (all downloaded software)
- Real Estate
- eNeighborhoods
- Denville
- Rockaway
- etc
- FSBO
- Ultimate Challenge Stuff
- Prospecting
- Houses
- 2 Larch Rd (I use the address and the folder name)
- Documents (CMA, Brochures, etc)
- Orig (pictures)
- Slide Show (pictures)
- Virtual Tour (pictures)
- Other (pictures)
- 3 Amato Ct
- etc.
- Marketing
- Market Mailing - 2006
- 1 January
- 2 February
- etc
- Advertising
- Graphics
- Training
- Point2Agent
- ProQuest
- SRES
I guess my point is simple. Create your own file structure to meet your needs. I personally find that organizing everything about homes by their addresses works best for me.
In dealing with pictures, I download everything to "Orig". I can then do a quick preview and whack anything that doesn't meet muster. I then select those that will go to the virtual tour or other uses and COPY them to the folder - yes I use disk space to store all this stuff. BUT, if you check the backup link about you find out I have external hard drives. They can be use to archive unused home addresses and all their pictures by moving one folder.
Another reason for keeping the original pictures separate is that I may crop or resize pictures for specific needs. When I change my mind (it does happen upon occasion) I always have the original.
Do I have the best way? Who knows, it's a way and it's certainly better than nothing. Hope this gives you a thought or two.
Backup Suggestions
Posted at 5:03 AM, Jun. 13, 2006
I've seen discussions on protecting data. Some wish to only backup of Outlook or certain other files. The point is YOU NEED TO BACK UP EVERYTHING!!!!!
I have a technically savvy friend that took pictures for a hobby, it became a part time business for him. He had something over 200GB of just pictures when his drive crashed. SIX YEARS of data was lost. He simply hadn't gotten around to putting a backup system in place.
I hope after reading that, you will NOT SLEEP WELL until you get a backup system in place. It WILL happen to you. This is NOT and "IF" it's a "WHEN".
Now about backups:
I've used tape backup since each tape only help 20MB of data. I now use disk. There are a number of network hard disk options available that either hook to your USB port or network. They are fast and convenient and with the right software will not only backup your own PC but all those on your network. I like Retrospect backup software from Dantz.
The basics:
- NEVER backup OVER your backup. While the window for failure is small, it's there.
- Have a minimum of two (2) different hard drives. Alternate between them.
- I set my alternation between the drives at one month
- On the first - I do a Full Backup and replace what was there before
- On the odd days of the month, I do an incremental to that drive
- With Retrospect, you set it and forget it - almost
- Check the backup logs - make sure you didn't have a problem. When you hard drive crashes is NOT the time to find out your backup is not good.
- TEST the backup every now and then. Restore something
- You might set your alternation to weekly (requires a smaller and less expensive drive). My personal decision was two 300GB drive so I can switch monthly
- You can take the drive "not is use" off site to protect it from theft or fire or whatever.
- Any backup solution you choose will have suggestions about backup schemes. My approach is not the only one, I just hope it gets your thinking.
- There is now also reasonable internet backup, although I don't like that solution because I'M NOT IN CONTROL OF THE DATA.
The Bottom Line: JUST DO IT!!!
Here are a few links:
http://www.emcinsignia.com/products/homeandoffice/retroforwin/
http://www.pcmag.com/search_results/0%2C1208%2C%2C00.asp?qry=backup§ion=&site=3
Laptop Thoughts
Posted at 5:28 AM, Apr. 7, 2006
I'm often asked about what kind of laptop I recommend. I don't recommend a specific brand. I do however, recommend some things to think about when purchasing.
Screen Size
IMHO 14.1 inches is simply too small. It's called screen real estate, and I think 15" is the smallest one should go. How much higher that that is up to the individual and how much they wish to spend.
Memory
There are 2 issues with memory. First is how much, the second is whether you get it in one or to chips. Here is perhaps the most important thing to know about memory. IT IS THE SINGLE MOST RELEVANT FACTOR WHEN IT COMES TO THE SPEED OF YOUR COMPUTER. It's not the CPU chip, while that's important, the amount of memory you have is the largest factor.
Here is why. When you are working in a programs, the program code is copied from your hard drive into memory. As you execute multiple programs, more program code is copied from your hard drive into memory. It doesn't take too many programs these days before memory get's full. Then what happens is that the lease active programs current information is written out to your disk. This is called Caching. So as you switch back and forth between programs, the inactive program is written out to disk and the now active program is read back into memory. Guess what - this is really slow.
With more memory, you have the space needed to hold all your programs. So, my opinion is that 1GB is the minimum. If you say, gee whiz, I only look at my email and go on the internet why do I need so much. Because you've also accumulated anti-virus, cookie blockers, spam blockers, this and that which live in your system Tray (lower right corner of your screen). And you're going to be using a word processor and be doing others things in the future. Don't purchase for "today" or "tomorrow" you'll be spending the money again.
The next thing to know is how memory is physically in a laptop. There are 2 slots for memory. Manufacturers always put in 2 chips. For 1GB total memory, they will put in 2 ea. 512mb chips. You can however, get the full amount of memory in 1 chip and leave the other slot open. As you would expect, there are pros/cons on this as well. On the same machine, the 2 chip configuration runs faster than one chip. If you think you may want to increase the memory in the future, they having one chip means you don't have to throw away a chip to add a chip - there is an open slot.
Here is an example where this might apply. Money is tight, you're getting a 15" screen rather than the 17" you'd like, you know you need 1GB but can only afford 512MB. You'll increase memory after the next 2 transactions. I'd recommend getting 1 chip with 512MB ad leaving the other slot open. They when you have the funds, get the other 512MB and put it in. This is no more difficult that changing a light bulb.
Dual Core CPU and CPU speed in general
I'm a power user, my next laptop will be dual core - did you get the statement about power user? I'll pay extra for it. At least for now, most people will not need dual-core. Memory is so fast now that there are other factors that will impact speed more than memory speed.
Mouse Pointers
Some have the eraser head, some have the touch pad, some have both. For experienced users, this is a black/white issue, and I'm not talking about fair housing. Each of us has one we like and literally hate the other pointing device. I've found that very few people are ambiguous on this subject. Why is this important? If you are new to laptops and you haven't determined your preference, then I'd recommend finding friends with each and playing with it to figure it out. Some manufacturers only offer one of the devices. If however you are buying a laptop with both - you'll be in good shape.
One of my main points as stated above, is if you buy for "tomorrow", you'll have equipment that will server you for years. The only reason to get rid of it will be some new cool feature "you can't live without", but not because you need it. If for financial reasons, we all know - we've all been there, you must go cheap, just plan that it will have a short shelf life and as your business grows you can upgrade your equipment.
The fact is that in today's business world, a computer is essential. It is not a luxury, it's essential and a laptop makes that essential tool just that much more useful. I've had co-workers say they had problems with something I'd be glad to help them with, but it on their desktop at home. Spending time helping someone is something I love to do, but I draw the line at house calls.
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