Install the KAR TechHelpline Desktop Widget and chat, email, call, feedback - right from your desktop! The KAR Technology Helpline widget is now available for all Kansas Realtors. This desktop widget gives you a quick link to the Tech Helpline phone number, allows you to instantly launch chat sessions with our tech analysts or send emails with your tech requests for lower priority or after hours requests. Just click “Install Now” to get the widget on your desktop!
Technology is an essential tool in the real estate industry, and we all know it's great - when it works! Now you can navigate the technology waters like a pro - with the assistance of the KAR Technology Helpline! An exclusive KAR Member Service.
Be Careful What You "Click"
March 15, 2010
Beware of "Rogue" applications that introduce themselves as "fake" security threats. They are actually executable programs that are very difficult to remove once installed. Because they will pop up signaling "risk" the user will frequently click something that says "scan for threats now" or some other warning. Once the user "clicks" the program starts install. Malware Bytes will likely be able to uninstall the program, but if this happens to you, the best defense in the short term is to shut down your computer. The program will show up in your Quick Launch menu, appearing to be Windows Security, but if you hover over the icon, it may be called something like "Internet Security 2010." DO NOT click on this icon, but rather run Malware Bytes or some other malware removing program. Visit http://symantec.com for more information about removing Rogue applications.
March 9, 2010
Do you find your computer performing sluggishly? It could be a number of things causing slow performance, such as lack of disk space, disk fragmentation, the development of bad sectors, and so on. Use your computer's built-in tools to fix such areas and optimize its performance.
Clear Disk Space
A great way to clear up disk space on your hard drive is by using the Disk Cleanup tool. The tool allows you to choose which files you want to delete, such as:
Temporary Internet files
• Downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets)
• The Recycle Bin
• Windows temporary files
• Optional Windows components you don't use
• Installed programs that you no longer use
To use the Disk Cleanup Tool, simply click Start, select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. In the Disk Cleanup box, select each of the files you want to delete. It is safe to delete all items in the list, but read the description of each file type before doing so to double check. The process only takes a few moments to remove the files and replace disk space.
The process is the same for XP, Vista and Windows 7, but in Vista and Windows 7 you can simply type "disk cleanup" in the search bar to pull it up faster.
Disk Defrag
Another easy way to improve performance is to do a disk defragmentation. A disk fragment happens when the data of a file is spread across several sectors of the disk, which requires your computer to search longer to piece the data together. By performing a disk defragmentation, your computer will rearrange the files on the disk so they are stored closer together - thus, speeding up your access to the data.
To complete a disk defragmentation, click Start, select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter. In the box that opens, click on the drives you want to defragment, and then click on the Analyze button. The Analyze option will let you know whether or not you should defragment the selected drive.
Once complete, Disk Defragmenter will display the results. You can see detailed information about the defrag by clicking on View Report.
Fix Disk Errors
Find and fix disk errors by using the Error Checking utility. Your computer can obtain bad sectors, which basically slow down its performance. One of the main attributes of a bad sector is that it makes file saving difficult, if not impossible. The Error Checking utility can scan your computer for bad sectors and file system errors, and can determine if you have files or folders out of place.
Microsoft recommends running this once a week to prevent data loss (for people who use their computers daily).
Before you run this program, be sure to close all open files. Click Start, and then My Computer. In the My Computer window, right-click on the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties. In the Properties box, click on the Tools tab, and click on the Check Now button.
In the Check Disk box that opens, you'll want to select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start. This is called "Error-Checking" in Windows 7. If any bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.
We hope this information has been helpful. And remember, if you have any questions call your Technology Helpline experts.
January 12, 2010
Ever had a printer problem?
That's like asking if you've ever had a bad day. Although we often love what printers produce, let's face it, we have all dealt with their temperamental side.
While every printer brand and model will differ slightly in their capabilities, there are some common printer repair tips that can be applied across the board. We've compiled a list of common printer issues and have provided steps on how to resolve them.
Toner
If your documents are not printing properly (i.e., blank pages, smudges, horizontal or vertical lines, or barely visible ink), it's probably a problem with the toner or toner cartridge. Try cleaning the printer with a lint-free cloth or compressed air. You may want to purchase a cleaning kit to keep handy, which would include items to clean the printer regularly. After cleaning it, print a test page (click Start > Control Panel > Printer and Faxes > right click Properties > Print Test Page).
If the problem still remains, try installing a new toner cartridge. Print another test page to see if that corrects the issue. If you still have problems after adding a new toner cartridge, check the printer's display window to see if it provides any error messages. If so, you may need to check your owner's manual for further instructions.
Power and PC Connection
While this sounds very simple, many times it can be the culprit of a non responsive printer. Ensure the printer's main power cord is plugged into a functioning outlet or power strip. If it connects to a power strip, make sure the light is switched on. Also, check to see if the printer is turned on, especially if your error happens in the morning. Someone could have turned it off the previous evening.
The problem could also be a bad connection to your computer. Trace the cable from the back of the printer to the back of your computer to make sure it hasn't come loose.
Print Queue
An issue that often happens regardless of the manufacturer is that the print job errors out and gets stuck in the printer queue. The printer queue can be located on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, and it shows you all current print jobs. By hovering the cursor over the image, you can tell if you have any pending print jobs. If the print job is not printing, try to remove it from the print queue. Look for the printer icon in your taskbar, right click on it to open all active printers and faxes, and highlight the print job to cancel. If it doesn't allow you to cancel the print job, browse to the following location and delete all files located in this folder: (C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS).
Usually there are two files for every one print job that is stuck in the queue. Sometimes a restart of the computer is necessary after deleting the files.
Drivers
Another common problem is printer drivers. Drivers are simply software created especially for your printer to function with your computer. It is very important that you have the appropriate drivers for your particular printer manufacturer and model. The easiest way to find the drivers is by going to the manufacturer's website, where you can download updated drivers at no charge.
Before downloading any new drivers, check to see if you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit machine. The reason for this is because drivers are created for each, and if you install a 64-bit driver on a 32-bit machine you may encounter problems. Go here to find out if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit.
If you still have trouble after updating your drivers, it might be a problem with the printer software. Sometimes the information becomes corrupted or deleted. In this case, you can try reinstalling the software that came with the printer when you purchased it.
Multi Function Printers
Multi function printers often include printing, faxing, copying and scanning capabilities all in one. While they can be great tools, they can also cause much stress when not working properly. The reason they can be so troublesome is because you have to determine which part of the product is not working. You should follow the same approach as we mentioned earlier, checking the power supply, toner, cleanliness of the machine, and making sure you have updated drivers. If none of these items seem to be the problem, check the manufacturer's website. If the problem is a known issue, they will have troubleshooting tips on their website.
A good tip to keep in mind when using a multi function printer is to make sure you are using the appropriate mode for your activities. For example, if you frequently fax signed documents to clients or financial institutions, you'll notice that the quality of the document lessens the more times you fax it. But there's another option - if you have a multi function machine, use the scanner option to save your signed document as a PDF file. Then you have an electronic copy that can be e-mailed, faxed or printed with the same high quality as the original document.
We hope you've found some of this information helpful. And remember, if you need computer or printer advice call Technology Helpline. Our tech support analysts are here to help.
