How-to heaven
Answers to (Nearly) All Life’s Questions

Learn the inner workings of everything from income taxes to home design.

REVIEWED BY KELLY QUIGLEY

How-to Roundup:
HowStuffWorks.com
eHow.com

If you’ve got a question about how something works—like that old water heater—or how to get something done—like organize your desk—there’s a good chance you’ll find an answer at one of these how-to Web sites. Each one covers a broad range of categories with detailed explanations that make sense even if you have no knowledge of the topic. The strengths of both sites are the sheer volume of information and simple search tools. But all the data comes with a warning: It’s easy to get overwhelmed and sidetracked as you wade through the sites to find what you came for. These sites can satisfy your own curiosity or those of your clients and customers.

• HowStuffWorks.com. It’s easy to go about your daily routine without really understanding how the “stuff” around you really works. Do you know how photocopiers can shoot out exact replicas of a document in seconds? Or how your PDA can store so much data without a hard drive? If you’re the curious type, you can find answers here. Browse 10 categories, including Computer Stuff, Auto Stuff, Home Stuff, and Money Stuff.
  
  Helpful Features: A particularly useful article under the Home Stuff channel, How Setting Up a Home Office Works, walks you through the software, hardware, and communications systems you’ll need to work effectively from home. And just for fun, find out How Krispy Kremes Work by going behind the scenes at the doughnut factory.
  
• eHow.com. So now you know how stuff works, but what if you still don’t know how to get something done? Here, you can find instructions on how to complete countless tasks, from How to Handle Difficult Clients to using proper Etiquette in business and social situations. The site design is simple, allowing you to access how-to solutions by clicking on any of a dozen categories, such as Home/Garden, Careers/Education, and Family/Relationships. The drawback of this site is its lack of photos and illustrations, which make it harder to understand the more complex tasks. Also, you may find some explanations a bit too simple, leaving you wanting more guidance.
  
  Helpful Features: With all the time you spend on the road, it can’t hurt to brush up on some Driving and Safety tips. You’ll learn how to respond in a variety of dangerous weather conditions and deal with other emergencies. The Job Survival channel also is a great resource, with articles that teach you How to Get Press Coverage for Your Company’s Events, How to Reduce Paperwork, and How to Use Feng Shui to Set Up Your Office. And if you’re a home-makeover enthusiast, don’t miss the Decorating and Design channel, which offers fun accessorizing tips.

________________

Suggest a Site For Review
Every week, REALTOR® Magazine Online's Web review editor surfs the Internet to find sites useful to your business and off-hours lives. Have a favorite real estate Web site that you would like to see reviewed? Send your suggestions to mediatech@realtors.org. All decisions on which sites will be reviewed are completely at the discretion of REALTOR® Magazine Online's editorial staff. Please note: this column does not review individual practitioner or brokerage sites.

The columns focus on free sites, as well as sites that charge for goods and services but still offer a free component of practical, sustained value to real estate practitioners, such as a free newsletter or industry news.
________________________
REALTOR® Magazine Online's "Web Review" summarizes the content of Web sites that may be of interest to members. NAR and REALTOR® Magazine Online are not responsible for, and nothing in the Web site profile shall constitute NAR's or REALTOR® Magazine Online's endorsement of, the web site, its content, products and services, or its provider. NAR and REALTOR® Magazine Online believe the information contained in this profile was correct and accurate as of the time it was prepared, but do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of that information and are not responsible for changes in the Web site. Members should conduct their own independent review of the Web site prior to any use of Web site, its content, products, or services to determine their suitability for the member's intended purpose.

Back to Top