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Google Chrome is a web browser similar to Internet Explorer and Firefox. The browser is preferred by many over the more commonly used Internet Explorer for personal use due to its superior speed. While it is true that Google Chrome is arguably the fastest web browser available, unfortunately, many websites such as the MLS and Form Simplicity are not compatible with Chrome. We here at Tech Helpline have researched and found a way for this browser to be useful in all aspects. Best of all, we will gladly make these changes for you or assist you with them if you’d like.

IE Tab

IE Tab is an add-on extension for the Chrome browser which allows Internet Explorer’s Engine to be used in the currently open tab whenever the IE Tab icon is clicked. This creates a second address bar primarily for Internet Explorer browsing and functions exactly as if you were using Internet Explorer without losing the preferred speed of Chrome, thus allowing you to view your MLS, Form Simplicity, or other normally incompatible websites without opening Internet Explorer.

Installation

Installation is easy and we will gladly assist you over the phone or through our chat system.

1. Open Google Chrome. Browse to “www.ietab.net/home” (without the quotation marks).
2. Click on “Get IE Tab for Chrome.” A new page open.
3. In the new page that opens click on the blue “+ Add to Chrome” button at the top right.
4. Click “Install” in the window that opens.

To run the tab you currently have open with Internet Explorer’s engine, click on the IE Tab button located between the Star on the address bar and the Wrench on the right top of the browser.

IE Tab has a couple of great options to help make life easier. To access them click on the IE Tab icon, then, when the second address bar appears below the first, click on the wrench and screw driver icon.

Auto URLs, IE Compatibility Mode

Auto URLs is an option that allows you to type in a full web address to add to a list, which is then identified to be opened with IE Tab. For example; if you add your MLS website address to this list, any time you visit your MLS it will open with IE Tab, allowing it all the perks of Internet Explorer.

The IE Compatibility Mode option controls which version of Internet Explorer IE Tab is emulating. This is great for some websites that do not work with newer versions of Internet Explorer, such as the MLS, by setting the Compatibility Mode to a prior version of Internet Explorer.

For more information about IE Tab please visit http://www.ietab.net/faq or contact us to assist you in configuring Google Chrome and IE Tab.

Contributions to this article made by Allen Williams, Tech Helpline Analyst

About Tech Helpline
The Tech Helpline goal is to provide superior technology support services to all. We have been in operation for ten years, and our talented, US-based analysts share a passion for technology and are here to help you with your technology questions.

Get ready this season for some great discounted technology sales. Don’t worry if you missed this year’s Black Friday; there are still deals to be found online throughout the months of December and January.

Flash Drives:

Know someone still using tapes or burning DVD’s for backups? If you know a working professional that needs easy file transfer capabilities and storage, do him or her a favor and take a look at the USB flash storage devices on sale this month. There are only a couple simple things to keep in mind when trying to decide what flash drive to purchase:

1. Transfer Speed? USB 3.0 is the newest standard and will transfer data faster when using a USB 3.0 compatible computer (if your computer is a few years old, you might not see a great difference in transfer speed over 2.0). The USB 3.0 flash drives will likely be backwards compatible, but will cost more money for the same storage size.
2. Storage Size? The cost per GB (Gigabyte) of data storage appears to be right around $1 per GB. At the storage size of 64GB, the cost per GB will rise to a higher amount so keep that in mind when shopping.

MP3 Players:

Purchasing the right mp3 player can seem overwhelming at first because there are a lot of features to choose from. The majority of these features are choices that will not reflect the performance of the device, but are personal preferences.

1. Mixed media device? Or pure music? The average mp3 player has evolved into something more than playing just music. Some of the more expensive mp3 players will have a small screen to view videos and games and will often come with a touch screen interface. The more expensive mp3 players will also be able to play a wide variety of music and video formats. While this seems impressive, a lot of the touch screen devices will come with a standard storage device instead of flash memory.
2. Storage type and size: If you plan on using your mp3 player while stationary (sitting or light activity), consider getting an mp3 player with non-flash memory; you will be able to get more storage space for your music for a lower price. If you do plan on using the device while participating in heavy activities (running, or biking), purchase an mp3 player with flash memory storage. The flash memory will ensure that the music will not skip, and the lifetime and performance of the device will not suffer from jolting movements.

Laptops:

Is your computer running slow or not working as well as it used to? If you have had your laptop for over 4 years, it might be time to upgrade (older computers might be more expensive to repair than buying a brand one new!). Expect to pay around $450 for an adequate entry-level laptop. Here is a quick breakdown to look for when purchasing a laptop:

1. Screen size: If purchasing a computer as a desktop replacement, take a look at getting a 16” screen or larger. This screen size will make objects easier to seeand will offer less strain on the eyes over time. If you plan on moving this laptop back and forth from work, you may want to consider a screen size of 15.6” or smaller.
2. CPU: CPU (central processing unit) is the ‘brain’ of the computer and is the center of most computers operations. For both road warriors and desktop replacement laptops, take a look at the Intel i3 or i5 series; they will offer you high performance, reliability, and lifespan without the price tag of some other processors.
3. Memory: Do not purchase a laptop with less than 2 GB (Gigabytes) of memory.  This is a standard and should be seen as a minimum for even the most basic of basic computers. If you plan on being a heavy user (e.g., 15 browser windows Excel, Word, and Outlook open at the same time), you will need at least 4 GB of memory.
4. Hard Drive: 350 GB is a baseline for storage space. A 350 GB hard drive will hold all of your programs and updates, and will leave enough space for pictures, downloads, and videos. Ignore any laptop deals that have storage less than 250 GB.
5. Price: Expect to pay around $450 for a brand new laptop. Price will vary for a variety of reasons, and you will often find the best deals in online stores such as  Newegg and CompUSA.

Happy shopping!

Contributions to this article were made by Devin Sag, Tech Helpline Technical Analyst

About Tech Helpline
The Tech Helpline goal is to provide superior technology support services to all. We have been in operation for ten years, and our talented, US-based analysts share a passion for technology and are here to help you with your technology questions.

Technology is one of those wonders of the modern world that can make or break a business. Not recognizing the uses of trends that are sticking after a couple of years can slow productivity. The tools of cutting-edge technology change so often that it’s hard to keep up with what is current and what is a simple fad that is only being perceived as the next best thing.

Tech Helpline has compiled some helpful tips to consider when deciding what to purchase for your business needs in the ever-changing world of technology.

Macs
Mac computers have many loyal users and for good reason. Macs rarely have problems and are visually appealing. For business use, they are comfortable and easy to use. Since Mac computers are not the prevailing force in the computing world, many websites are not Mac compatible. However, with an increase in Mac users over the past few years, this may soon change. It is definitely recommended to do some research before buying a Mac to see if it will fit your needs and is compatible with websites you frequently visit.

Netbooks
Netbooks is a new classification of laptop. They are lightweight and easy to carry, but they do not include a CD drive. These are great computers for Internet and email, as well as basic computing needs, but not as powerful as larger laptops.

iPad
The iPad is an amazing, supplementary device. Apple, the manufacturer of the iPad, did not build them as a replacement for your computer, but as an enhancement to your computing needs. The real value of the iPad is in the apps. Apps are third-party applications, just like programs for your computer. Talk to your friends who have iPads and iPhones about their favorite apps and how they use them and decide if this is a device you may want to invest in. Similar to Macs, iPads also have some limitations, and you will want to consider those during your decision-making process.

Smartphones
How great is it that our phones now have touch screens and can organize much of our work, notes, and schedules? Common smartphone brands include the iPhone and the Android-run devices. The iPhone is one, singular device, in which the same accessories work on all iPhones. There are many different brands of Android-devices, on the other hand, with an assortment of features. All Andriods run on the same operating system, but they do not support the same accessories.

What is the wise choice?
With many different options, what is right for you? Netbooks are amazing for travel, schoolwork, or in situations where you’d like to use a computer without carrying a large laptop. They have great battery life and rarely fail, but are not full computers in the sense of power. Macs are great for creative design as well as personal use, but in business, there are many needs which may outweigh the benefits of purchasing the Mac due to incompatibility issues. Some Android phones have larger screens and perform faster than the iPhone, but the iPhone has demonstrated, over the last four years, that it is a useful smartphone for professionals. The iPad is a great supplementary device but not a necessity. Also, consider that the Apple devices can be more costly than other options, so it is recommended to find out if they meet your needs before purchasing.

The price tag alone should be a serious indication of needed research, but always take time with new technology by speaking to other peers who use it before you jump head-first into new exciting trends of business, or, as always, call the Tech Helpline. We are here to help you.

Contributions to this article made by Allen Williams, Tech Helpline analyst

You may be asking yourself what this means for you. For those who have websites, your website will run faster and allow you to drive efficient experiences. For those who have not created their website yet, never fear – things are going to get much, much easier.

All websites are developed using HTML, which is the blueprint for the way your website is going to look and feel. The process for adding any additional graphical or multimedia content requires the use of third-party extensions. This is the current standard, but it makes things slower for the user. For those who have ever created their own website, you are probably aware that previous versions of html can become complicated.

With the invention of HTML5, that multimedia and graphical content will be integrated into the base code of your website. This essentially cuts out the middle man plug-ins, such as JavaScript, and XHTML, making websites load faster for the users.

There are multiple new features being integrated into HTML5 that you should be excited about:

1. Canvas – Tired of waiting for flash player to load?  Canvas will eliminate the need to download and constantly update your flash player.
2. Timed media playback – know that your users might find a certain section of your website difficult? Set a help tutorial to display after a certain amount of time spent on the more complicated sections of your website.
3. Offline storage database – Goodbye cookies, they will become obsolete as the new form of storage is much more secure for both the user and the host.

Apple users rejoice! Safari is the first browser to become almost 100 percent compatible with this new upcoming standard. Windows based users are not too far behind – Firefox 6.0, and Google Chrome browsers are both nearly 95 percent compatible at the moment, and updates are being pushed out to make the release of HTML5 a smooth transition for everyone.

Eagerly awaiting this new and exciting standard? Verify that your web browser is compatible, and compare your scores with your colleagues at http://html5test.com.

We hope that this information has been helpful and remember if you have any questions or need computer repair or remote tech support, call Tech Helpline.

Contributions to this article were made by Devin Sag, Tech Helpline Technical Analyst

This is the best time of year to do your shopping when thinking of purchasing a new computer. Major computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Asus, Apple, and Toshiba offer deals on their computers starting as early as mid-summer to entice potential buyers. This coincides with students going back to school in the Fall and results in a large number of laptop and computer sales. There is no doubt that this benefits anyone waiting for the right time to replace their old laptop or aged desktop computer.

Tech Helpline would love to help you through the frenzy of sales with many helpful considerations that should allow you to find what fits your needs. Below you will find a list of options that may help you make the right choice and save you time and money.

Options to Consider

Much of the process of finding a new system to replace your old computer is finding what suits your needs as well as something that will stay current for a long time. New technology may have been released since you last shopped for a computer and you may not be sure if you need all the bells and whistles that are available. Consider the following options as you prioritize and budget for your next purchase.

Tech Support

Something that is often overlooked when purchasing a new computer is what will happen if the time comes when something unexpectedly goes wrong with the computer. Dell, for example, offers many levels and forms of support. Companies like Dell offer regular technical support and levels that include “North American Tech Support.” You may want to look into the manufacturers’ website for additional options other than the simple one-year manufacturers’ warranties.

Do You Really Need a New Computer?

Very often, adding more memory or having a technician install a faster/newer hard drive may save your computer from being considered obsolete, and in most cases, can cost as little as $20-$50.

Battery Life

This is a major part of purchasing a laptop or a tablet. The battery life can make or break a purchase for a hardworking individual on the go. Shopping from the website of the manufacturer may yield more battery options. Often times purchasing another battery or a longer-lasting (but bigger and maybe heavier) battery is best up front rather than worrying about it after you’ve made the purchase and realized it was not enough for your needs.

Purchasing Your Computer In-Store or Online

This is one thing many buyers don’t consider. If you purchase a computer in the store you will have it in your hands right away, but what if you want to save money and are willing to wait? It is highly recommended to consider looking at the computers in person but buying online if you have the time to wait for the computer to be delivered. Buying online can save you money and allows you to choose many of the components that go into building the computer, which you otherwise would not be able to change after having made the purchase.

Contributions to this article were made by Allen Williams, Tech Helpline Technical Analyst

About Tech Helpline
The Tech Helpline goal is to provide superior technology support services to all. We have been in operation for ten years, and our talented, US-based analysts share a passion for technology and are here to help you with your technology questions.

Many hardware failures can be linked to improper distribution of heat. As ambient temperatures rise, it becomes harder for your computer to maintain safe operating temperatures. Keeping your computer cool is essential for having your computer’s hardware running at top performance. Now is a great time to safeguard your computer from any hardware failures that can occur from overheating.

Notebook Owners

For notebook owners, keeping your computer from overheating can be more involved than a desktop.  The process can be made autonomous when taking advantage of certain tools or equipment designed for notebook computers.  Follow these tips to have your notebook working in prime condition this summer.

1. Use your notebook on a solid flat surface with 2” clearance surrounding the device to allow it to ‘breathe’. Avoid using a pillow or other non flat surface.
2. Consider investing in a cooling pad for your notebook. There are many kinds and brands available to you; look for one with built in fans that will help ventilate and draw out the hot air.
3. Purchase an aerosol air duster and use it briefly to blow on the openings on the sides and back of the notebook.
4. Turn off your computer when you are no longer going to use the device. Notebooks are not meant to be run for more than 30 hours at a time. The computer needs time for a break, and benefits from an hour of ‘off time’ every 24 hours as a minimum.

Desktop Owners
For desktop owners, keeping your computer from overheating can be something easily overlooked, as the tower itself is not manipulated as much as a notebook. Some of the tips are similar to protecting a notebook; however, there are some key differences here.

1. Make sure that there is at least 2“of clearance behind the desktop to allow the exhaust of the desktop to work properly and expel hot air.
2. Keep your computer vents clear! A desktop by default will require more air circulation than a notebook. Because of the high amounts of air circulation required, a desktop is more susceptible to dust buildup. Purchase an aerosol air duster and use it briefly to blow on the openings on the sides and back and front of the desktop.
3. Computer wheezing or making strange sounds? Consider replacing the default case fans that come with the computer.  This process requires minimal knowledge of computer repair and can be completed in a matter of minutes with a screwdriver as your only tool.

It pays to keep your computer cool. By following these simple steps, you should be able to keep your computer within its safe operating temperature limits.

If you have any questions, please call our Tech Helpline to speak with one of our knowledgeable experts.

Contributions to this article were made by Devin Sag, Tech Helpline Technical Analyst

Windows Vista and Windows 7 are both great operating systems with some features that are undiscovered by many of their users. In this edition of Tech Helpline’s Lifeline, we explore the options you have as a Windows Vista or Windows 7 user to back up your computer and files.

Complete PC Backup

If you own Windows Vista Business, Ultimate or Windows 7 Home Premium, you have access to the ability to completely back up your computer in case of a catastrophic hard drive crash or powerful virus. This is the best form of backup and all it requires is an external hard drive and time to set aside to start the process.

In Windows Vista Business and Ultimate:
Click the Start button on the lower left-hand corner. Type in “Backup” but do not press enter. Look for “Backup Status and Configuration” to appear in the search list and click on that. Click on “Complete PC Backup.” Click “Create a backup now” and follow the prompts to select the external device (external hard drive, usually) onto which you’d like to back up your computer. You will be asked which drive to back up.; usually this is the “C:” drive.

In Windows 7:
Click the Start button on the lower left-hand corner. Type in “Backup” but do not press enter. Look for “Back up your computer” to appear in the search list and click on that. Click on “Create a system image.” Select the external device (external hard drive, usually) to which you will be backing up your computer. You will be asked which drive to back up; usually this is the “C:” drive.

The process may take an hour or more. The Complete PC backup is for major backups. Follow with regular backups as instructed below to have the latest inventory of your more important files backed up  while using the complete backup as a good starting point to recover from in case of a crash.


Windows Vista and 7′s built-in backup features

Windows Vista and 7 hold the tools to also periodically back up your more important files on a regular schedule. This process is rather quick and painless. Being that this exists in windows itself, you can use this process on any computer manufactured in the last four years with Windows on it.

In Windows Vista:
Click the Start button on the lower left-hand corner. Type in “Backup” but do not press enter. Look for “Backup Status and Configuration” to appear in the search list and click on that then click on “Back Up Files”. Click “Set up automatic file backup” and follow the prompts to select the external device (external hard drive or USB Flash drive, typically) to which you would like to back up your files. You will then be presented with options for which files you would like to back up.

In Windows 7:
Click the Start button on the lower left-hand corner. Type in “Backup” but do not press enter. Look for “Back up your computer” to appear in the search list and click on that and then click on “Set up backup”. Select the external device (external hard drive or USB Flash drive, typically) to which you will be backing up your files. You will then be presented with options for which files you would like to back up, including allowing Windows to choose for you (recommended).


Backing up a computer is essential for keeping your valuable documents, photos and records around. Just a few minutes of your time can save you from unnecessary stress, anxiety, and in the case of businesses, lost revenue.

Contributions to this article were made by Allen Williams, Tech Helpline Technical Analyst

About Tech Helpline
The Tech Helpline goal is to provide superior technology support services to all. We have been in operation for ten years, and our talented, US-based analysts share a passion for technology and are here to help you with your technology questions.

Social media marketing (SMM) is a form of internet marketing which seeks to achieve branding and marketing communication goals through the participation in various social media networks.”

By now you’re probably familiar with the various forms of social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, Blogs, etc., but are you aware of how these forms of media can help you market your business? Social networking now accounts for almost one quarter of all time spent online in the U.S. so if you’re not currently using these services, you should get started right away.

The main benefit of social media is the human element, which brings a personal touch to your brand or business, and enables you to build trust with your clients. Jen Straw of Last Straw Media says, “A successful social media strategy must include building and maintaining relationships through conversations and engagement.” Social media is about people and relationships, not how many friends and followers you have. Once you get caught up in the numbers, you will start to miss out on the powerful connections that can help grow your business.

Here are just a few methods with which you should get started:

• Facebook now has more than 500 million users and offers exceptional business marketing opportunities. If you haven’t signed up for Facebook yet, you should as soon as possible, then create a Business Page.
• Twitter isn’t just “what I had for dinner” anymore. Twitter still may not be in the same league as Facebook but with an estimated 200 million active users and one billion tweets per week, it’s growing and gaining popularity. Twitter has put together a simple guide to help you understand what Twitter can do for business. You can also check out Mashable’s Twitter Guide.
• Blogs like Word Press and Blogger are a great addition to a company website. You should plan on blogging at least once a week and be sure to link your blog to your Twitter and Facebook accounts.

If you’re not sure how to get started, search for your competitors, evaluate how they use their social media sites to market themselves, and do what they’re doing. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Take time to find the people you want to communicate with and then join the conversation. One way to engage in conversation is to ask questions rather than just posting comments; this will create an opportunity for your audience to start talking.

Another key benefit to building your brand online through social media is the enormous SEO (Search Engine Optimization) boost your business website can get. Google and Bing now show real-time information pulled from social networks, meaning that if you were to search “REALTOR” on Google, Google will give you real-time results from Twitter and other social networking sites. The more time you spend creating great content and building relationships with people, the more people will then start to link to and share your content with their followers resulting in more traffic to your website. Search engines love links so share that love by linking out to other blogs and websites to share others’ content. The more you share, the more your content will be shared in return.

Make sure you post useful and relevant content. When posting to any of your sites, be sure to write about topics that people will search for in search engines. Remember that content should not be about you but about the needs of your audience. Including photos and video in your posts not only makes them more interesting, it helps your search engine rankings as well.

The bottom line to social media success is active participation, relationship building and creating great content. Find out what your target audience is looking for, what interests them, what keeps them coming back for more, and then give them more of it. Listen, be engaging and be yourself!

E-book Readers
An e-book (electronic book) is a text and image based publication in digital form that can be read using a hand held device called an e-book reader. There are several advantages to using this method over traditional print media.
1. There are over 2 million free books available for download, including all fiction from before the year 1900.
2. E-book websites can include the ability to translate books into many different languages.
3. E-books are generally cheaper to purchase compared to other traditional media.
4. An e-book can be purchased, borrowed, downloaded and used immediately.

The e-book reader market is highly saturated, giving consumers many options. There are some e-book features to consider before purchasing a model.

Screen
While there are multiple different screen variations, the two most popular are e-ink and LCD. The LCD screens will illuminate your text making it ideal for reading in low light conditions. The e-ink screen, however, will offer a more natural look that mimics how a paperback might read. The screen size can vary from 5” to 10”. Note: the bigger the screen, the heavier the device. Some of the 10” e-book readers can be quite cumbersome to work with and can fatigue you quickly because of their associated weight.

Capacity
Capacity is the amount of storage space on the hard drive within the device. Some e-book readers offer the ability to expand the storage through the use of a MICROSD card. Be sure to check the initial storage as well as the ability to expand onboard storage, especially if you are an avid reader.

Additional Features and Compatibility
The varieties of e-book readers come from their additional features and compatibility with a variety of e-book formats. The most common additional features are 802.11b/g/3g connectivity, online newspaper subscriptions, integrated dictionary, touch screen, text-to-speech and web browsing. Compatibility is also important to consider when deciding on a reader. Some readers will only read proprietary formats associated with the manufacturer’s distributor and library. Make sure to check if your reader will work with your e-book library.

Price
Price is most often the deciding factor for most e-book reader purchases. There are several entry level e-book readers (e.g., Kindle, The Nook) starting at or around $139.00 USD. You will most often get the best price by purchasing your e-book online. If you have a local computer store nearby, you may want to visit it to “get a feel” for the device before purchasing it online.

Remember to contact Tech Helpline for your computer support needs. Form Individual Memberships, please click here.

Our computers are like automobiles. If you keep them maintained, they will run smoothly for many years. Too often many things bog them down, causing them to run less efficiently. Tech Helpline often receives calls requesting help to speed up users’ computers. Below you will find many helpful tips for helping you keep your PC computer well maintained so that it can run as quickly as the day you unboxed it.

System Tray Icons
On the lower right-hand corner of your Windows PC’s display, you will see many icons related to programs running in the background. This is called the system tray. You may identify these programs by hovering over the icons. What you will usually see is the volume control, the current time, your security software or antivirus software, and any messengers (Yahoo!, Windows Live) you may be using or have installed.

All of these programs are prime examples of items which may be holding you back from a faster computing experience. Your Excel worksheets may take longer to open because you are running “Skype Messenger” in the background when you start the PC up. Your e-mail may take a while to load in Outlook because “Kodak Easy Share” has set itself to always be loaded in the system tray. These and many others are examples of programs you may uninstall or configure to not load when you start up. To configure them, right click on the icons and look for any Options or Preferences you may access to find where to uncheck this option.

Internet Explorer Toolbars
The most commonly used web browser, Internet Explorer, can pick up a lot of clutter over time which can severely hamper its performance. The culprit, usually, is a toolbar for “Google”, “Yahoo”, or “MyWebSearch”, which loads each and every time you start the website browser to access something on the Internet. It is highly recommended that these be uninstalled, if not used, to increase the computer’s efficiency. Internet Explorer 8 offers an “X” on the left side of each toolbar which can assist in removing the toolbar’s presence.

The Little Things
There are a few other things to consider to ensure your computer has optimal speed. Virus Scans scheduled by your security software and computer backups run by your external hard drive or off-site backup software should be managed to run when you are not using the computer. If your computer is a laptop, many times it will run fastest if connected to a wall outlet for power, as factory settings for most laptops will cause them to implement power-saving features, slowing down computer performance.

And finally, avoid running too many programs at the same time. Having too many programs and processes open on your computer will slow it down.

Following these considerations will save you from the frustration of having to wait on your computer to get further work done. Of course, if you have any questions, call Tech Helpline to speak to one of our knowledgeable computer repair tech support analysts. We would gladly assist you with any of the steps mentioned above.