Of course, you would not do that, for so many reasons. Image, safety, reliability and so much more.

But another part/tool of our business is often unnoticed yet could create as much havoc. Our technology. Our devices on which we conduct our business, communicate with clients, title company, lender, inspectors, prospects, other agents, etc. We often use old, out-of-date devices that are also not maintained properly.

Did your computer ever freeze on you? Go to the blank blue screen-of-death? Often, we tolerate technology issues as normal, yet do not desire to get to the root cause and fix whatever is causing the problem.

If the check-engine light on your car activates, do you ignore it, or at some point, check it out?

Why am I making mention of this? Well, first, productivity. I am not suggesting that you change your devices every year or so, but I am suggesting that you pay attention and maintain them, I don’t have the time or room here to go through everything now in a blog. But, computers, phones, printers, scanners and all your devices need some TLC, often. With the proper care and attention paid, they could last longer. But ignored, they can make your life miserable.

That said, you should ALWAYS do the following:

1. Keep your devices’ operating systems updated. Usually, they are pushed to you from the manufacturer or internet company, so be sure to accept and schedule their download and installation.
    
2. Keep virus programs up to date. No need for expensive, invasive programs.For example, if you have a Windows device, Windows Defender does a good job. And a good malware program.
    
3. Routinely clear your browsing history, at least weekly or more often. Failure to do so could slow down and clog your systems and could leave lethal links and malware in your device.

These are just for starters. If you own a car for 5 years, how often do you change the oil, check the brakes, rotate the tires, lube the joints, check tire pressure and do routine normal maintenance? Let’s hope you do, and not think about it while doing 70 MPH on the freeway. Routine care and maintenance will help the car last years. Do the same for all your devices.

As devices and their operating systems age, they become more susceptible to breakdown and more available for hackers to break into and steal information.