GRInetwork eNewsletter
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| July 2009 |
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| Green Tip of the Month - Computer Power Management |
If you want to save energy and money make sure you set your computer’s power management options. EPA recommends setting computers to enter system standby or hibernate after 15 to 60 minutes of inactivity and setting monitors to enter sleep mode after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.
There are detailed instructions on how to do this on the Energy Star website for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac.
To save the most amount of energy, you should completely shut down your computer and turn off your monitor. Hibernating is the next best option because it uses less than 6 watts per hour. For those that need to access their computers remotely, this is not an option. For those users, turning off hard disks and turning off the monitor is the best bet.
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| Tech tip - Help Your Real Estate Clients with Google My Maps |
Help Your Real Estate Clients with Google My Maps
Norbert Ackerman
GRInetwork.org
If you are sick of Google... (Who am I kidding? Is anyone sick of Google?) I was planning to write a review about Bing, Microsoft's new search engine. Instead, I decided to write a review about Google My Maps.
My Maps is an extension of the popular Google Maps that many use for driving directions. Google Maps is also used on many commercial websites to show business locations.
In the past if you wanted to show multiple locations on an online map you had to hire a tech person to program the coordinates so it will show up on your map. Not anymore. Now anyone can create a custom map in minutes and place it on their websites. We did just that for the GRI class locations page on eDesignations.com
How can you use Google My Maps?
1. If you represent multiple listings you can create a My Maps with all the locations and place it on your website. You can than link each location to a specific page on your website.
You don't have a website? No problem, you can still create custom maps in My Maps. Link each location to an MLS page showing the property. Each My Maps has a custom address so you can ask your clients to visit your specific My Maps.
2. Are you showing multiple residences to a client? Set up a My Maps with locations and your planned route. (You can easily set up routes between addresses.) Send a link to the My Maps in email to your client. Your client will appreciate the extra touch.
Let us know if you find other clever ways to use Google My Maps.
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| Register online for any GRI class for $99 |
Take advantage of this special for California GRIs only. Retake any or all of the GRI classes for a only $99 each. That is $50 off on each class.
You can now register for the discounted GRI classes online through the GRInetwork.org website.
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