Dear reader – Here is the October edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the October 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

You might think of the Windows Photos app as a basic tool for viewing and managing images. But with an upcoming update to Windows 11, there’s a new feature that could be very useful for your business: Visual Search with Bing.

With the update, you’ll be able to do a reverse image search straight from the app, showing you similar images and related information.

How can this benefit your business?

Let’s say you’re looking at a photo and you want to know more about a product, place or person in the image. Reverse image search is a faster way to get the information you need.

It’s a great tool for eCommerce store owners – you can use it to find out who else is selling a product, compare pricing, or track down new suppliers.

Marketing teams can also use it to easily find similar visuals to use in campaigns, or to make sure images aren’t being used elsewhere. It also helps you check the origin of an image to make sure you have permission to use it.

If your business is in real estate or research, you can save time by using reverse image search to quickly identify the locations or objects you see in photos.

Microsoft has also made it easier to flick through your photos and edit images by improving navigation and introducing a quick access editing tool right in the app.

Another big bonus: You’ll now be able to sync Photos with iCloud – great for teams that use Apple devices alongside their Windows PCs.

These features should be rolling out soon in a future Windows 11 update.

If you haven’t already upgraded your business to Windows 11, it’s time to start thinking about it. We can help make it easy – get in touch.

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Dear reader – Here is the October edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the October 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

Whether you’re drafting emails, writing reports, or creating presentations, spelling mistakes and typos can easily be missed. This means you run the risk of looking unprofessional, especially when communicating with clients or business partners.

Here’s the good news: Windows 11 comes with built-in spell check and autocorrect tools that can put an end to embarrassing spelling mistakes.

These tools are easy to set up. And once that’s done, you won’t need any extra software to make sure your text always looks clear and professional.

Want to know how to use them?

First, open Windows Settings. Then select Time & Language and click on the Typing page. From there, you can turn on options like ‘Autocorrect misspelled words’ and ‘Highlight misspelled words’.

These features will work across most apps, fixing errors and flagging possible spelling mistakes.

You can even get word predictions as you type by enabling text suggestions.

Does your business run in multiple languages? Be sure to switch on the ‘Multilingual text suggestions’ feature. This will bring up word suggestions in whatever language you are using.

While the spelling tools built into Windows 11 will work across most apps once enabled, some apps (like Notepad and Outlook) need a little extra set up.

For example, in Notepad, you’ll need to click the gear icon for settings to switch on the spell check feature.

Your team probably spends a lot of time in Outlook sending emails, so it’s well worth switching on grammar tools here. Go to Editor Settings under the Options tab. From there, you can turn on features like autocorrect, text predictions, and even tone adjustment.

And if your team uses Microsoft Edge for browsing, you can set up spell check and grammar tools there as well. Just head to Settings, click on Languages, and turn on the grammar and spell check options.

By setting up spell check and autocorrect in Windows 11, you’re not just avoiding small mistakes – you’re helping your business run more smoothly.

If you need a hand with this or want more advice on how to save time in your business, we can help. Get in touch.

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Dear reader – Here is September edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the September 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

Imagine having an assistant by your side that never gets tired, never misses a detail, and can help with everything from drafting emails to organizing meetings.

Sounds great, right?

Well, that’s what Microsoft Copilot is. It’s a smart, AI-driven tool built into the Microsoft apps you already use, like Word, Excel, and Teams. It’s designed to handle time-consuming tasks that slow your team down.

But how exactly does it work, and why should you care?

In simple terms, Copilot is AI embedded into the Microsoft Office suite. It’s always there to assist you, whether you’re typing up a report, analyzing data in Excel, or even planning your next big meeting. And the best part is, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it. If you can use Word, you can use Copilot.

So, how can it make a difference in your business?

First off, one of the most exciting things about Copilot is that it’s seamlessly integrated into the software you already know. There’s no need for complicated installations or training sessions. And because it’s built into Microsoft 365, your team can jump right in with minimal disruption. It works across devices too, so whether you’re in the office or travelling, Copilot is always there.

One area where Copilot really shines is how it simplifies your daily grind. Think about how much time gets wasted on things like sorting through emails or organizing meetings. We’ve all been there, spending way too long combing through endless email chains or trying to figure out who said what in a meeting.

Copilot tackles this for you. It can summarize long email threads and even suggest responses, so you can get back to what really matters. It’s like having someone do all the heavy lifting while you focus on the more important tasks.

Speaking of meetings, Copilot is a big help when it comes to collaboration. Let’s say you’re wrapping up a Teams call. Instead of manually taking notes or worrying about missing key action items, Copilot will summarize the entire meeting for you, highlighting decisions and tasks. It listens in, captures the key points, and even helps you plan the next steps.

But Copilot isn’t just about cutting down on admin work, it’s also a creativity booster. You know that moment where you stare at a blank document, unsure how to start? Whether it’s drafting a client proposal or putting together a presentation, sometimes the hardest part is getting the ball rolling.

That’s where Copilot comes in. Give it a few prompts, and it’ll generate a first draft or outline to get you started. You don’t have to be a creative genius to produce something great. Copilot takes care of that early-stage work, freeing you up to fine-tune and add your personal touch.

All this leads to a more productive, efficient, and creative workplace. That’s what makes Microsoft Copilot such a powerful tool. It not only takes care of the little things but also helps you unlock your team’s full potential.

Want to find out what Copilot could do for your business? We can help, get in touch.

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Dear reader – Here is September edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the September 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

With the end of support for Windows 10 just over a year away, many business owners are starting to wonder why they haven’t upgraded to Windows 11 yet. Are you one of them?

Research shows that most businesses could make the switch, but a surprising number are still holding back. This despite the upgrade being free and easy.

A recent survey of more than 750,000 Windows 10 systems found that 88% are on hardware that’s fully capable of moving to Windows 11.

Yet, 82% of businesses haven’t taken the plunge.

This is worrying, especially with the clock ticking down to the deadline in October 2025. After then, Windows 10 won’t get any more free updates, including all-important security patches. That could leave your business exposed to risks.

So, what’s the hold-up? For many, it’s the fear of disrupting business operations. Upgrading an entire business’s operating system might sound like a hassle, with concerns about downtime or technical headaches.

But the truth is, upgrading to Windows 11 can be a lot easier than you think, especially with expert assistance (contact us if we can help you with this).

And there’s more to it than just avoiding the risks of sticking with an outdated system. Windows 11 comes with so many benefits:

• Better security to keep your business safe from modern threats
• Improved performance to boost productivity
• And a sleek, intuitive interface that makes work easier for your team

Plus, if you are using newer hardware, Windows 11 will let you make the most of it.

The upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 is free if your devices meet the requirements.

With so many advantages and the deadline fast approaching, there’s no reason to wait.

We help make all upgrades as easy as possible. Let’s jump on a call and we’ll tell you about our extensive preparation, when we schedule upgrades, how we train your team – and answer all your questions.

Our goal is to get you up and running on Windows 11 without disrupting your daily operations. Let’s talk.

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Dear reader – Here is September edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the September 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your computer, you know just how frustrating it can be. It’s that moment when your screen turns an ominous shade of blue, and you’re left wondering what went wrong and how much work you’ve just lost.

For businesses, these crashes are more than just annoying – they can be disruptive and cost money.

Recent research highlights just how common BSODs have become, with one in 200 devices crashing under normal use. And it gets worse. During the recent CrowdStrike outage, that number shot up to one in ten devices.

While the tech industry seems to be hit the hardest, with more than 15% of devices affected monthly, even sectors like healthcare and retail, which are less prone to these crashes, still get about 8-10% of devices displaying the dreaded blue screen.

So, what’s causing all these crashes? And more importantly, how can you reduce the risk of them happening in your business?

The good news is that about half of these incidents are avoidable.

The bad news is that many businesses simply don’t have the tools or strategies in place to prevent them.

One of the key takeaways from the study is that many BSODs are linked to a few common issues. Problematic hardware, poorly managed Windows updates, and misconfigured drivers for things like graphics cards, networks, and audio systems are among the top culprits.

When these aren’t working properly, it can lead to system instability, which often manifests as a BSOD.

For business owners, this means taking a proactive approach to IT management is crucial.

Instead of waiting for something to go wrong and then scrambling to fix it, businesses should focus on identifying potential problem areas before they lead to a crash. By monitoring the health of your devices and making sure that updates and drivers are properly managed, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of BSODs disrupting your operations.

The research suggests that with the right preventative measures, businesses could cut the number of BSOD incidents in half, reducing the occurrence to about one in 400 devices. This not only minimizes downtime but also frees up your IT team to focus on more strategic tasks rather than constantly putting out fires.

Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary tools to identify these risks early on. In fact, most companies don’t even know which of their devices are at risk right now, let alone which ones might crash in the future.

To move from a reactive approach to a proactive one, invest in tools that can provide insights into your IT systems. These tools allow you to make data-driven decisions, which can reduce costs, relieve employee stress, and ultimately increase productivity.

Better still, get experts to do it for you. Our approach is proactive IT management. This prevents problems before they can interrupt your work.

Let us keep your business crash-free. Get in touch.

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Dear reader – Here is September edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the September 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

Microsoft recently announced that all Azure sign-ins will soon require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to boost security. Even if you don’t use Azure, a cloud computing platform, this is something you should pay attention to. Because MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your digital assets.

What is multi-factor authentication? Think of it like adding an extra security measure to the door of your business.

Normally, you log into your accounts with just a password. But passwords aren’t as safe as they used to be; cyber criminals are good at cracking them. MFA adds another layer of security. It’s like saying, “OK, you have the key, but I’m going to need to see some ID too.”

After entering your password, you’re asked to verify your identity a second time. This could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or a quick tap on an app like Microsoft Authenticator. It’s an extra step, but an important one. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they’d still need this second form of verification to get into your account. That’s a massive roadblock.

Yes, adding another step to your sign-in process might sound like a hassle. But the reality is, it’s a small inconvenience that can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Imagine the fallout if someone gained access to your sensitive business information. The cost of a breach, in terms of both money and reputation, is much higher than the few extra seconds it takes to use MFA.

There are a few different ways to set up MFA. Some people prefer getting a one-time passcode via text message, while others like the convenience of a push notification on their phone. Biometric options, like fingerprints or facial recognition, are also becoming more common. And for those who want something extra secure, there are physical security keys that plug into your computer.

Microsoft’s push for MFA with Azure is just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is this kind of security measure is a business security basic.

Need help setting this up and making it easy for your business? It’s what we do. Get in touch.

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Dear reader – Here is September edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the September 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

If you’re like most people, you probably find system updates a hassle. They take ages and those big downloads eat up precious bandwidth and storage.

Good news then: Microsoft is about to make your life a whole lot easier with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update.

It’s introducing something called ‘checkpoint cumulative updates.’ That might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry – it’s simple and very beneficial.

Normally, Windows gets its updates every month. These are known as cumulative updates, which bundle all the latest fixes and enhancements together. These bundles can be large and take a while to download and install.

The new checkpoint cumulative updates change this process. Instead of downloading a big update every time, your system will now receive smaller updates more frequently. These are tweaks to the last major update or checkpoint.

So, what does this mean for your business? It’s great news… you’ll spend less time waiting for updates to finish so you can get back to work.

And, if you have a limited internet connection, smaller updates are a blessing. They use less bandwidth, so less chance of interrupting someone else’s video call.

The best part? All of this happens automatically through Windows Update. You don’t need to do anything differently. Your system will keep running smoothly, with most updates happening in the background. This seamless experience ensures that your work is not interrupted.

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has streamlined updates. When Windows 11 was first launched, Microsoft used new compression technology to reduce the size of updates by 40%. With the 24H2 update, they’re taking it a step further to ensure that your experience is even more efficient.

It’s also worth noting that while this new update system will be standard for Windows 11 and the upcoming Windows Server 2025, it’s less likely to be implemented for Windows 10, as that version is nearing its end of life. This means there’s even more incentive to upgrade your business to Windows 11 if you haven’t already.

Want to migrate to Windows 11 with zero hassle? We’re the people to talk to.

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Dear reader – Here is August edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the August 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

There’s an exciting new feature coming to Microsoft’s Edge browser that’s going to make your life – and your employees’ lives – a whole lot easier. ‘Draft with Copilot’ is an AI-powered tool that can instantly write text on any topic you need.

When you’re in Edge and you find yourself staring at an empty text field (like the body of an email or a comment box), just right-click. You’ll see an option to ‘Draft with Copilot.’

Click on it, and a window will pop up. You just enter the subject or topic you need text for, hit ‘Generate,’ and watch Copilot do its thing. In a few moments, you’ll have a piece of text on the topic you specified.

You can then change the tone and length of the generated text to suit your style. Want it to be more formal or casual? Need it longer or shorter? No problem.

We all know time is money, ’Draft with Copilot’ can help save you both. Imagine how much time your team spend on writing everyday text. With Copilot, drafting a quick email or coming up with a social media update becomes easier.

And Copilot not only helps you write faster but also makes sure the text is grammatically correct and well-structured. This is especially helpful if you’re writing in a language that’s not your native one.

Right now, this feature is only available in US English, but Microsoft is working on expanding it to more languages.

One warning: It’s important to review what it produces. Critics of AI-generated text sometimes say it can feel a bit generic. You might want to add a personal touch or specific details to make it more engaging for your audience.

This feature is currently in the Edge Canary preview build, which means it’s still being fine-tuned.

Microsoft is steadily integrating Copilot into more Windows apps, making these AI tools more accessible and versatile across different platforms. It’s clear that the future holds even more convenient AI-assisted features that will make our digital lives easier.

Not tried Copilot in your business yet? We can help you get started. Get in touch.

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Dear reader – Here is August edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the August 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

Microsoft has issued an important update: If you’re using Windows 11, you need to upgrade to version 23H2 before October 8^th, 2024. After this, older versions will no longer receive essential security updates, putting your systems at risk.

Why is this important?

Because Microsoft will stop supporting older Windows 11 versions for business accounts. This includes stopping security updates, which are vital for protecting your systems against the latest cyber threats.

The latest version includes advanced security features to protect against new threats, making sure your business data remains safe. But updating to Windows 11 version 23H2 brings other benefits beyond security. 

You’ll also notice performance improvements, making your systems run faster and more efficiently, which is great for productivity. Plus, new tools and features are continually added, helping streamline your workflows and improve overall efficiency. Staying updated ensures compatibility with new software and technologies, maintaining smooth business operations.

Delaying the update could leave your business vulnerable to cyber attacks. Without security updates, your systems will be exposed to potential exploits, risking data breaches and financial loss.

Microsoft typically enforces updates post-deadline to keep people safe, especially for business devices not managed by IT departments. While this is helpful, it’s better to update proactively on your own schedule.

Updating to version 23H2 is straightforward.

• First, check your current version by going to Settings, then System, and selecting About.
• Before updating, make sure to back up all your important files to prevent data loss.
• Navigate to Settings, then Update & Security, and select Windows Update.
• Click on “Check for updates” and follow the prompts to install version 23H2.
• Once the update is complete, restart your computer and verify the new version in Settings, System, and About again.

Making sure your systems are up to date will keep your business secure and running efficiently. Don’t wait until the last minute… upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2 now.

Keeping businesses protected and productive is our top priority. So, if you need any help with that, get in touch.

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Dear reader – Here is August edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.

Hello and welcome to the August 2024 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter. 

Here’s a topic that’s been making headlines and causing sleepless nights for many: Cyber extortion.

Is it something that’s on your radar? It should be, because it might affect your business one day.

What is cyber extortion?

It’s a type of cyber crime where criminals threaten to harm your business by compromising its data and digital assets unless a ransom is paid. These threats often involve ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts your data, making it inaccessible until you pay the ransom.

Sometimes, cyber criminals go a step further by stealing data and threatening to release it publicly on dark web leak sites if their demands aren’t met. This dual threat is known as double extortion.

According to a 2024 report, the number of victims of cyber extortion scams has skyrocketed by 77% over the past year. What’s more, small businesses are four times more likely to be targeted compared to their larger counterparts. This is a worrying trend, especially considering that smaller businesses often have fewer resources to defend against these attacks.

In the first quarter of this year alone, 1,046 businesses fell victim to double extortion. That may not seem huge, but bear in mind the actual number is likely much higher since many cases go unreported, hiding in the shadows of what experts call the “dark number.”

The truth is, all businesses, regardless of size or industry, are potential targets. However, certain sectors are more frequently attacked. Manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as wholesale trade, top the list. Alarmingly, the healthcare and social assistance sectors are also seeing a significant rise in attacks, despite the potential societal and political repercussions.

Cyber criminals are opportunistic and strategic. They target regions with strong economic growth and shared languages. For instance, cyber extortion attacks in the US have increased by 108%.

While the rise in cyber extortion is a big worry, there are steps you can take to protect your business. Here are some key strategies:

Back up your data: Make sure you have a robust backup plan. Keep your critical data in an offline or offsite location and regularly test your backup restoration process.

Keep software updated: Make sure all your devices use the latest software, especially those connected to the internet.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen your access controls with MFA. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before access is granted (such as a code on a separate device). Also, limit user access to only the systems they need for their job.

Patch and vulnerability management: Regularly update your systems to fix any security vulnerabilities. Cyber criminals often exploit known weaknesses, so staying on top of patches can prevent many attacks.

By understanding what cyber extortion is and how it works, you can better prepare your business to defend against it. Remember, the key is to be proactive.

If we can help prepare your business and keep it safe, get in touch.

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