Your Des Moines Connection©2006
Ray Dennis Real Estate Update
On a Budget
Many got new PC's for Christmas and with all of the warnings about viruses, worms, hackers and spyware, it almost makes one afraid to turn it on and go online. I recently read of a case where someone took a brand new computer out of the box, hooked it up to their broadband connection and within 15 minutes, the machine was infected with some sort of virus.
One of the best known types of threat is a virus. There are several excellent commercial anti-virus products on the market and many times there is a free-trial offer included with a new computer. The two that come to mind are Norton Ant-virus and McAfee. Both of these programs offer a subscription plan and it is necessary to keep the programs up to date to insure protection. Subscriptions to the services run in the $30 to $40 per year range for an individual user. I have recently switched one of my PC's to a highly recommended free anti-virus program called AVG, by Grisoft. They offer a totally free version of the software for individual home users. The updates can be set up to download automatically and they are free. It works well and is available at grisoft.com. For business use, they charge a reasonable fee for the Pro software and update subscriptions are $30 for two years. I am impressed with the product.
To keep hackers out of your system, you will need a firewall. Windows XP with service pack 2 installed has a built-in firewall. It works well, but it only protects you from incoming requests by hackers. It doesn't address someone setting up a spyware program or worm on your system that sends data out. ZoneAlarm has a basic free product for home users that does an excellent job. It is available at Zone Labs. If you install ZoneAlarm, but sure to turn off the Windows XP firewall.
Spyware is a means by which someone can install a program on your computer that keeps track of your online activities and reports back to a site. The real danger here is that some of these programs are actually "key loggers" and can be sending your PIN numbers and passwords out to someone. Although ZoneAlarm provides some protection from the activities of these programs, it is advisable to routinely (weekly) run other programs to check for spyware on your system. Two free programs are available. Ad-ware from Lavasoft and Spybot. Both of these programs are free and it is a good idea to install and use both of them because each seems to pick up spyware missed by the other.
What is my main source of knowledge for the above? Kim Komando has a nationwide computer radio talk show (heard Sunday mornings locally on 98.3FM). She covers numerous computer topics in a very understanding and non-threatening way. She also has a comprehensive website at Komando.com. You can find out just about anything you want to know about computers from her site.
One final thought. If you are fed up with all of the security problems with Microsoft's Internet Explorer, try Mozilla Firefox. It is a new free web browser that doesn't have the Internet Explorer security problems, effectively blocks pop-ups and runs faster. It also uses less of your system's resources. Mozilla is totally supported by volunteers and they also offer an excellent mail client program called Thunderbird that takes the place of Outlook Express, minus the security problems. I use both Firefox and Thunderbird. By the way, if you install Firefox, it is not recommended that you remove the Internet Explorer from your system. It is used by XP (and other Windows operating systems) for other functions.
When you put me to work to help you
with your real estate needs, I don't leave you stranded when
it comes to accomplishing all of the other details involved in
the move.
Together, we can help you with the details of buying and selling a home, so you can focus on the details of living.
When you're BUYING or SELLING a house there are 1,000,001 details to handle. At Coldwell Banker, Cindy the concierge is there with all her tools to make the transition an experience you will want to remember. Cindy knows the drill, she's just one warm, caring person lending a hand and making your connections:
· utility transfers and hookups
· New roofs
· Leaky plumbing
· Pet sitter
· Hair stylist
· 999,996 more details.
Preferred Vendor Services: Coldwell Banker's Concierge takes the hard work out of finding the service that fits what you need accomplished. The services on our list are those that Coldwell Banker trusts.
In addition, many on our preferred list have exclusive offers to Coldwell Banker customers, to save you time and money.
Here's the best news: The concierge service is free to all of my clients, before and after the sale.
(515) 274-BEST
Expect the best
If you are considering making a move and presently own a home, the first place to start is to let me do a Competitive Market Analysis for you. The service is free. Just e-mail me at Realtor@RayDennis.com.
"Anywhere to Anywhere"
I Can Help!
As always, should you be anticipating a move, I have the ability to refer you to a top notch agent anywhere in the country.
Here's another thought. If you know of someone, perhaps living in another city, who has a real estate need, I can still help. I can give them the same excellent service and see that they get all of the information they need and have a pre-screened, professional agent. Just give me a call at 274-BEST or e-mail me at Realtor@RayDennis.com
Please visit my website Your Des Moines Connection for current Des Moines area listing information, mortgage rates, weather, relocation information, things to do and more. You'll find it all at http://www.RayDennis.com.
For the latest in Real Estate
related news click here for the current issue of Realty Times.
You can contact me anytime
at 515-274-BEST, 800-225-7683 ext 8789 or Realtor@RayDennis.com
Sincerely,
Ray Dennis, Broker/Associate
Your Des Moines Connection
Ray Dennis Website:
http://www.RayDennis.com
Real Estate Broker--State of Iowa
Broker/Associate with Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group, Realtors
West Des Moines, IA 50266 Toll Free: 800-225-7683 ext 8789
Bus: 515-274-BEST Realtor@RayDennis.com