Think about the apps you use daily—Google Drive, Netflix, Spotify, even Instagram. All of these run on cloud-based services, which basically means they store and process everything online instead of relying on one physical device. Businesses, big and small, are making the same shift because, honestly, it just makes sense. Let’s take a look at why you should be looking to use cloud services in your business.
Artificial intelligence is seen practically everywhere now, including at the top of Google’s recommended search results. If you don’t want these generated results appearing whenever you perform a search, there are ways to turn them off. In fact, you might really want them turned off… especially since they’re found to be wrong, depending on where the AI pulls this information from.
Text messages are great. They’re a quick and effective means for us all to communicate.
Unfortunately, this does bring some downsides, too… namely, they’re a relatively simple means for a scammer to spread their attacks. Let’s discuss why this is so dangerous and how you can identify and avoid these threats.
It feels like we have a gadget for everything these days, doesn’t it?
The average office worker now carries around three devices to get through the day. Think laptops, tablets, headphones… and even multiple phones.
Technology keeps teams connected and helps us work smarter – but there’s a downside: Managing so many devices can get a little overwhelming.
What happens every time we add a new device to our daily work routine? There’s something else to charge. Another thing to carry. One more item to keep track of.
In fact, carrying around all this tech adds up to an average 9lbs of extra weight. That’s like carrying an air fryer to work every day!
Another issue is the mental load. Many professionals say they feel bogged down by the notifications they get across all their devices. It’s common to get dozens of notifications every day, and the constant flow of alerts can be such a distraction.
One way to get around gadget overload is to try out devices that handle many functions, like foldable phones, or hybrid laptops. This way, one device could do the same thing two or three of your devices are doing.
Another great strategy is to upgrade to a smarter system, like Windows 11.
Windows 11 makes it easier to switch between tasks, reducing the need for extra devices. With a smoother, more integrated experience, your team might not feel they need as many gadgets to stay productive.
Need help streamlining your setup? We can help walk you through the options. Get in touch.
Phishing is a common trick where hackers pretend to be someone you trust to steal your personal information. For example, they might send an email that looks like it's from your bank, asking you to verify your account details. Here's why it's so effective.
If you didn’t know Windows can save a list of the text and images you copy, I feel for you—you’ve missed out on a simple trick that could’ve saved you a lot of time. But don’t worry, it’s easy to set up, and I’ll show you how.
Mobile device security is critical for modern businesses, especially as they play a more prominent and significant role in daily operations. However, data loss is also a problem, regardless of the source… including if a device is wiped via a reset.
While Apple has offered a feature to prevent this for the past year or so, Android 15 now provides the same, referred to as Identity Check. Let’s explore how it works, and how to enable it for yourself.
When hackers steal data, they don't just sit on it. Sometimes they delete it, but most of the time, they sell it or use it for illegal activities. A lot of this stolen data ends up on the Dark Web, a hidden part of the Internet where people do shady things. That's why it's so important to keep an eye on the Dark Web to protect your business.
Still holding on to Windows 10 in your business? It’s time to start thinking about making the move to Windows 11.
Three years after its release, Windows 11 is making major headway, with its market share reaching 35.55% in October 2024. While Windows 10 still holds around 60.97% of the market, change is on the horizon – and there are some compelling reasons to consider the switch.
First, let’s talk about the big news: From October 14, Windows 10 will no longer receive free support from Microsoft. Although this doesn’t mean Windows 10 will stop working, it will stop getting important updates, such as up-to-date protection against malicious software and cyber threats.
Microsoft will be offering extended security support for Windows 10 for an extra year, but this will cost businesses $30 per device and could get expensive. And this is only a temporary solution.
So, why has interest in Windows 11 spiked recently?
For one, the PC market has picked up. This is partly because of the rise of "AI PCs", which use hardware that is more capable of handling AI-based tasks. People want to make sure their devices are compatible with the latest software, including Windows 11. There’s also buzz around the rollout of “Windows Intelligence” – a possible rebrand of some Windows 11 AI features.
Upgrading to Windows 11 isn't just about keeping up with the latest tech, though. Another reason people are moving to Windows 11 is that it offers a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. New features include customizable widgets and an improved File Explorer, helping you to get things done faster.
Another major benefit to businesses is that Windows 11 brings improved security, offering better protection against cyber threats like:
If you want to stick with Windows 10, Microsoft’s one-year extension could offer you a bit more time. But if you want our advice? You’d only be delaying the inevitable, while missing out on the benefits of upgrading.
We can help make the switch stress-free. Get in touch.
Earlier this year, a location data broker called Gravy Analytics suffered a huge data breach that compromised a dataset with 30 million points from devices all over the world. With this data, hackers can track users and their movements through healthcare, government, and military facilities.
While technology has brought us a long way, there are still some telling remnants of how things used to be done. Take, for instance, the terms “cut,” “paste,” and “copy.”
Imagine turning on your computer and having all the apps you need for the day already open and ready to go. That’d be useful, right?
Windows 11 lets you set your favorite apps to launch automatically when you log in.
Setting it up is easy. And it’ll help you and your team dive into work faster.
For some apps, you can set up auto-launch like this:
Here, you’ll see a list of apps that support auto-launch. Flip the toggle for the apps you want to open when you start your computer, and they’ll be ready for you next time you log in.
If an app doesn’t appear in the Startup area of Settings, don’t worry. You can set the app to auto-launch another way.
For this, head to the special Startup folder in Windows 11. Here you can add shortcuts to any app you want to launch automatically.
Here’s how you do it:
Now you’ll be able to add a shortcut to your chosen app using its executable file (usually shown as an .exe file in Program Files).
If the thought of doing this makes you feel nauseous, get us to do it for you.
One thing to remember, though. While it's tempting to set all your favorite apps to launch automatically, opening too many at once can slow down your computer. Stick to the essentials.
Need help getting your tech set up for your business? We can do that, get in touch.
With the end-of-support date for Windows 10 looming later this year–October 14, 2025–you need to take action now so you don’t find yourself in a difficult situation. We have some tips for you as you make this transition, so we encourage you to use them to upgrade as quickly as possible ahead of the end-of-support date.
With so many devices connecting to the Internet, it’s natural that a term would emerge for devices that don’t typically have Internet connection, but nowadays do anyway: the Internet of Things. Businesses can leverage the IoT to take advantage of incredible benefits, but these devices come with an inherent security risk. Why does the IoT matter for businesses, and what can you do to keep your organization secure?
Do you want superhuman productivity? Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to be more productive than the majority of workers out there, and a couple of small tweaks to your day can make a world of difference. Today, we’ll cover some strategies you can use for prioritization, time management, and focus, allowing you to get more work done.
One of the most asked questions we get is “How can you help us save money?” It’s the priority for anyone looking to outsource anything. So, naturally it has to be one of the first questions answered. In today’s blog, we’ll go through three ways that our brand of managed IT services functions to save our clients money.
Wouldn’t it be great if your Windows 11 computer could handle tasks just like a real-life assistant?
That’s exactly what Microsoft wants to achieve with Windows Agent Arena, its new AI project.
The goal is to create smart virtual assistants, known as AI agents. They will be able to complete tasks on your computer. They could save time by doing repetitive tasks for you, such as managing apps or organizing files.
So, what exactly is an AI agent? And how could it help your business?
An AI agent is a type of artificial intelligence designed to interact with your computer. Instead of only giving you information, AI agents can perform actions for you.
For example, you could train an AI agent to run your morning routine. It would open your calendar, launch your email app, and check the news. When you begin your day, the agent would know what info to share with you, like a virtual assistant.
Imagine having AI agents that update your software, or even edit documents for you. They could enable privacy options in Microsoft Edge, install extensions or update settings. This saves you time and hassle, so you can focus on bigger things.
The project is open source. That means developers around the world can contribute to help these tools evolve. Although they’re still in development, the potential for businesses is exciting.
For now, one of the best ways to see how helpful AI can be for your business is to give Copilot a try. Need help getting started? Get in touch.
Have you ever suspected that a hacker could silently observe your email interactions with your clients and your staff? If you manage your own email infrastructure, we want to highlight the importance of email encryption. Encryption keeps your business’ email communications secure and compliant so you can worry less about security and privacy to focus more on running your business.
Does your technology need an upgrade? Now might be the perfect time to get on it, especially since hardware prices are expected to rise dramatically this year. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits you can expect from working with us when outfitting your business with new technology.
