To quickly determine your version of Data Input, login to DIW, click Help on the top menu, then click About. The latest version of DIW will display as…

To update Data Input, place your 3.5c Upgrade disc in the CD-ROM drawer, checkmark Data Input only and proceed with the install. To correct those listings showing the truncated phone numbers, call up the listing in DIW, scroll down to and click the Listing Agent Lookup button re-enter the Agent’s last name, click OK and Save your changes.  

By the time this issue of MVR is printed, the two new web based MLS systems should be in place. Interealty is in the process of uploading listings info from T-III to both their “net.MLS” system and to “Webster,” which is the system that we will share data with NORMLS. Net.MLS is a stepping stone to the future of our MLS database on the Internet. The advantages of a web MLS?: 1) You only need the Internet Explorer 5+ browser to view your listings, 2) Greater speed if you have cable modem internet access, 3) Enhancements and Improvements not available in the T-III program, 4) No more software to install, 5) Access to NORMLS data and 6) You can still view your listings through T-III with the web-based systems as backup when T-III is down! Three systems for the price of one! You will still have the option to continue to use T-III. Data still must be entered with DIW. Training for net.MLS and Webster will be forthcoming. NORMLS requires that agents be proficient in Windows and the Web to use their system. They feature on their website at normls.com an on line test that you may take to determine your level of understanding. A score of 70% or better will required of agents to test out of the mandatory “Getting Started With Windows and the Web” class. Look for more details soon. 

THE INTERNET

Since the future of our MLS, and most other areas of our lives, will be dominated by the Internet, I will concentrate future articles on questions, answers, tips, tricks and advice related to your computer and the Internet. For example, heres a couple of Q&A:

Q: Why do I receive e-mail from lists that I never subscribed to?

A: You may have unwittingly agreed to receive news or information when you registered for something on the Internet. You could have missed a box that you were asked to check, or uncheck, if you do, or do not, wish to receive mailings. Read each option carefully. These registrations are designed with the hope that you might just answer certain questions wrongly, leading to more opportunity for the dotcom people to sell you something.

Q: Can I increase or decrease the text size on a web page with my browser

A: Yes. Both Internet Explorer and Netscape allow adjustments in font sizes. In IE, click on View, then Text Size to choose larger or smaller text. In Netscape 4.7, click View, then choose Increase Font or Decrease Font.
Note: what might look like text may actually be graphic images, which will not be resized with the font adjustment.

Did you know that every graphic on every web page that you visit is retained in the Temporary Internet Files folder on your system. These files build up and will seriously deplete your system resources (slow down your computer!) in time. Previously I told you about the Clean Manager in Win 98, which may be run by clicking Start, then Run, type cleanmgr, click OK. This will also clear out other critical files on your system as well as internet files. Another method to consider, is the option in Internet Explorer 5.5+ that will delete those temporay files on exit. On the menu bar, click Tools, then Internet Options. Click the Advanced tab, then scroll to the Security section and checkmark the choice Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed.