Processor Geek Squad (Free Tech Time Savers)

Written By: John Hoxsey
Certified Master Loan Processor (CMLP)

Why spend money when you can get something for nothing? And in today’s technology world, much of the free software is every bit as good as the expensive software in the stores. Sometimes you do get what you don’t pay for.

What does this have to do with processing? Most of the tools that I list here, I have used, or currently use, and they help streamline my work flow.

So you want to be an egghead and get things done faster? Here is my list of easy-to-use freebie software that you might want to install:


Passpack
www.passpack.com

This is a great tool for logging into sites automatically. As a contract processor, managing 10 different user id’s and passwords for each broker can be a nightmare. This application conveniently stores all of your logins which are readily accessible in a dropdown list right from internet explorer or firefox.

CutePDF
www.cutepdf.com

Why pay hundreds of dollars for acrobat? CutePDF is a freeware program that will easily convert anything you can print to a PDF.

Acrobat Reader
www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

You will want this to work in conjunction with CutePDF. You probably already have it but it is always good to get the latest version. The new version lets you do just about anything PDF related (besides create new ones), including online collaboration.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
http://free.grisoft.com/

Scans files on demand for virus. Has daily updates to virus definitions and protects your e-mail. It even has a scheduler that will scan your whole computer every night while you sleep. I have been using it at work for about a year now and have had no issues with viruses or trojans. Many tech guys use this exclusively. If it is good enough for them it works for me.

Power Calculator
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

Replaces your wimpy windows calculator with a mathematical powerhouse.

LogMeIn
https://secure.logmein.com

Log in to your work computer from anywhere there is an internet connection. The free version lets you use a basic login with no sound or local printing abilities. The pro version cost about $70 per year and lets you invite people to your desktop for mini-meetings and gives you the ability to drag and drop files from computer to computer.

LogMeInHamachi
https://secure.logmein.com

This is a great tool if you have more than one employee. Why pay for Citrix or some other high end Remote Access System when you can get it all for free? This cool tool will let you share any drive or folder securely over the internet and will only be accessible to users with permission.

PrinterAnywhere
www.printeranywhere.com

Use this in conjunction with LogMeIn and you have LogMeIn with local printing. You can also share your printer with others over the internet.

GMX
www.gmx.com

A great tool for accessing your e-mail anywhere. Nearly limitless e-mail storage space. You can consolidate all of your e-mail accounts and addresses into one spot. That means you can access your work, home, and any other account you could want, all in one convenient location.

That is my geek-list. I hope you enjoy the freebies :)

Remember - Your reputation is your business.

Happy Processing!!!

About the Writer. As one of NAMP's volunteer writers, John Hoxsey is currently a NAMP member in good standing and is a NAMP Certified Master Loan Processor (CMLP). If you would like to become a volunteer writer for NAMP, please email us at: blog@mortgageprocessor.org.