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Browser extensions have become as common as mobile apps. People tend to download many and use few. There are over 176,000 browser extensions available on Google Chrome alone. These extensions offer users extra functionalities and customization options. While browser extensions enhance the browsing experience, they also pose a danger. Which can mean significant risks to online security and privacy. In this article, we unravel the dangers associated with browser extensions. We’ll shed light on the potential threats they pose. As well as provide insights into safeguarding your online presence. The Allure and Perils of Browser Extensions Browser extensions are often hailed for their convenience and versatility. They are modules that users can add to their web browsers. They extend functionality and add customizable elements. From ad blockers and password managers to productivity tools, the variety is vast. But the ease with which users can install these extensions is a weakness. Because it also introduces inherent security risks. Next, we’ll delve into the hazards associated with browser extensions. It is imperative to strike a balance between the benefits and dangers. Key Risks Posed by Browser Extensions Privacy Intrusions Many browser extensions request broad permissions. If abused, they can compromise user privacy. Some of these include accessing browsing history and monitoring keystrokes. Certain extensions may overstep their intended functionality. This can lead to the unauthorized collection of sensitive information. Users often grant permissions without thoroughly reviewing them. This causes them to unintentionally expose personal data to potential misuse. Malicious Intent There are many extensions developed with genuine intentions. But some extensions harbor malicious code. This code can exploit users for financial gain or other malicious purposes. These rogue extensions may inject unwanted ads. As well as track user activities or even deliver malware. These extensions often use deceptive practices. They make it challenging for users to distinguish between legitimate and malicious software. Outdated or Abandoned Extensions Extensions that are no longer maintained or updated pose a significant security risk. Outdated extensions may have unresolved vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit them to gain access to a user's browser. As well as potentially compromising their entire system. Without regular updates and security patches, these extensions become a liability. Phishing and Social Engineering Some malicious extensions engage in phishing attacks. As well as social engineering tactics. These attacks can trick users into divulging sensitive information. This can include creating fake login pages or mimicking popular websites. These tactics lead unsuspecting users to unknowingly provide data. Sensitive data, like usernames, passwords, or other confidential details. Browser Performance Impact Certain extensions can significantly impact browser performance. This can happen due to being poorly coded or laden with unnecessary features. This results in a subpar user experience. It can also lead to system slowdowns, crashes, or freezing. An extension's perceived benefits may attract users. But they end up unwittingly sacrificing performance. Mitigating the Risks: Best Practices for Browser Extension Security 1. Stick to Official Marketplaces Download extensions only from official browser marketplaces. Such as those connected with the browser developer (Google, Microsoft, etc.). These platforms have stringent security measures in place. This reduces the likelihood of encountering malicious software. 2. Review Permissions Carefully Before installing any extension, carefully review the permissions it requests. Be cautious if an extension seeks access to unusual data. Such as data that seems unrelated to its core functionality. Limit permissions to only what is essential for the extension's intended purpose. 3. Keep Extensions Updated Regularly update your browser extensions. This ensures you have the latest security patches. Developers release updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance security. If an extension is no longer receiving updates, consider finding an alternative. 4. Limit the Number of Extensions It’s tempting to install several extensions for various functionalities. But each added extension increases the potential attack surface. Only install extensions that are genuinely needed. Regularly review and uninstall those that are no longer in use. 5. Use Security Software Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software. This adds an extra layer of protection against malicious extensions. These tools can detect and remove threats that may bypass browser security. 6. Educate Yourself Stay informed about the potential risks associated with browser extensions. Understand the permissions you grant. Be aware of the types of threats that can arise from malicious software. Education is a powerful tool in mitigating security risks. 7. Report Suspicious Extensions If you encounter a suspicious extension, report it. You should report it to the official browser extension marketplace and your IT team. This proactive step helps browser developers take prompt action. That action protects users from potential threats. 8. Regularly Audit Your Extensions Conduct regular audits of the extensions installed on your browser. Remove any that are unnecessary or pose potential security risks. Maintain a lean and secure browsing environment. This is a key aspect of online security. Contact Us for Help with Online Cybersecurity Browser extensions are just one way you or your employees can put a network at risk. Online security is multi-layered. It includes protections from phishing, endpoint threats, and more. Don’t stay in the dark about your defenses. At Gigabits, we can assess your cybersecurity measures and provide proactive steps for better protection. Give us a call today to schedule a chat. Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

In the past year, the global cost of data breaches skyrocketed to USD $4.45 million, marking a 15% increase over the last three years. As we step into 2024, it's crucial for businesses to stay vigilant against emerging technology threats that could potentially disrupt and harm operations. At Gigabits IT Solutions, we recognize the rapid evolution of technology, which brings both new opportunities and challenges. Not all technological advancements are benign; some pose serious threats to digital security, privacy, and safety. Here, we shed light on key emerging technology threats to watch out for in 2024 and beyond. Data Poisoning Attacks Data poisoning involves corrupting datasets used to train AI models, skewing outcomes and potentially leading to incorrect decisions, especially in critical sectors like healthcare or finance. It's crucial for businesses to safeguard training data integrity and implement robust validation mechanisms to counter this threat. When utilizing AI-generated data, it's imperative to heavily supplement it with human intelligence and data from other reliable sources. 5G Network Vulnerabilities With the widespread adoption of 5G technology, the attack surface broadens due to an increased number of connected devices. IoT devices relying on 5G networks might become prime targets for cyberattacks. To prevent large-scale attacks, businesses must prioritize securing these devices and implementing strong network protocols. Ensure your business has a robust mobile device management strategy, as mobile devices are shouldering much of the workload in today's organizations. Ransomware Evolution Ransomware attacks have evolved to include double extortion tactics, causing reputational damage by leaking or selling stolen sensitive data if victims refuse to pay. Robust backup solutions, cybersecurity training, proactive threat hunting, and stringent security measures are essential defenses against these evolved threats. Supply Chain Attacks Persist Supply chain attacks persist as cybercriminals infiltrate third-party vendors or software providers to compromise larger targets. Strengthening supply chain cybersecurity through rigorous vendor assessments and continuous monitoring is crucial. Biometric Data Vulnerability Biometric authentication methods are becoming commonplace, but compromised biometric data poses a unique challenge as it cannot be changed like passwords. Protecting biometric data through secure encryption and ensuring strict privacy regulations are imperative to prevent identity theft and fraud. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Manipulation AI, while transformative, can be manipulated by cybercriminals to spread misinformation, create convincing deepfakes, or automate phishing attacks. Detecting these threats demands robust mechanisms to discern genuine from malicious AI-generated content. Advanced Phishing Attacks Phishing attacks, especially spear phishing and vishing attacks utilizing AI and voice technology, have become more sophisticated and targeted. Continuous employee training and automated solutions for detecting and defending against phishing threats are vital. Cybersecurity Tips for Defending Against These Threats As technology evolves, so do the threats. It's essential to stay vigilant and proactive. Here are some tips: Educate yourself and others about the latest technology threats. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for all online accounts. Regularly update software and devices to fix security vulnerabilities. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments. Verify the legitimacy of callers or senders before sharing information. Back up data regularly to prevent data loss in case of an attack. Consider investing in a reliable cyber insurance policy. Report any suspicious activity to relevant authorities. Need Help Ensuring Your Cybersecurity is Ready for 2024? Last year's solutions might not be sufficient for this year's threats. Don't leave your security at risk. Gigabits IT Solutions can assist with a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment to determine where you stand. Contact us today to schedule a chat and safeguard your business against these emerging threats!

In a world where technology constantly evolves, Microsoft stands at the forefront. It continues to pioneer innovations. Innovations that transform how we interact with our digital universe. The fall Windows 11 update is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to excellence. It’s more than just an upgrade. It’s a leap into the future of computing. Microsoft touts it as “The most personal Windows 11 experience.” Let’s explore some of the great features that make this update so significant. Microsoft Copilot: Your Intelligent Partner in Creativity A standout feature of the fall Windows 11 update is Microsoft Copilot. This AI-driven marvel is like your personal PC assistant. Need help summarizing a web page? Want to change to dark mode, but forgot how? Looking for a quick custom image for a social media post? Microsoft Copilot can do all that and more. Copilot is seamlessly integrated into Windows 11. It offers real-time suggestions and turns ideas into reality with remarkable ease. Ask it what you need, and the AI engine gets to work. Image credit: Microsoft Updated Apps (Paint, Snipping Tool, Clipchamp & More) Have you ever wished that Windows’ Snipping Tool could do more? This update grants that wish. The Snipping Tool is just one of many to get an AI upgrade. Look for new capabilities in Paint, Clipchamp, and Photos. Get a unique image from inputting a text prompt and style. The Cocreator tool in Paint makes it easy to jumpstart your creativity. It will generate the image, then you can edit it in the same app. Microsoft Clipchamp is one of the easiest video creator tools out there. You can now just drag in your assets and clips. Then, click to have the AI engine work its magic to create a video for you. Enter snap layouts. This nifty feature in Windows 11 solves the multi-app problem. Simply hover over the maximize icon at the top of any window to get access to a snap layout. Choose the area you want for the active app, and it will snap into place and allow you to choose apps for the other slots. The new Clipchamp Auto Compose feature can: Recommend scenes Make edits Create a narrative based on your inputs Easy Data Migration with Windows Backup When you buy a new computer, moving data can be a pain. It can take hours to move your “pc life” between devices. And there’s always the risk you’ll miss something. The new Windows Backup feature makes moving between computers easier. You can choose backup options and folders. When ready to move, it’s a simple process. You can restore the new PC from another backed-up PC. Microsoft Edge: A Faster and More Secure Browsing Experience Microsoft Edge received significant enhancements. These focus on speed, responsiveness, and security. The Edge Secure Network feature offers more gigabytes. Microsoft increased user storage from 1 GB to 5 GB. This function encrypts your internet connection to secure data. Edge Secure Network has many features of a VPN. This is great for extra online security. It’s also helpful for companies trying to prevent breaches from clicks on phishing links. Save Energy & Battery Power A feature called Adaptive Dimming is another enhancement of this update. Your screen slowly dims if you’re no longer paying attention. This has the dual benefit of saving energy and helping you refocus. PC sensors power this feature as well as two others. So, it’s going to be more common with newer computers. The other two features that use sensors are: Wake on Approach Lock on Leave A More Personal Windows 11 Experience Beyond the technical innovations, this update brings more. Including a more personal touch to the user experience. Tailored to individual preferences, Windows 11 becomes an extension of the user’s identity. This includes things like: Personalized themes Custom widgets Intelligent assistants Every interaction feels curated and intuitive. It makes for a truly personalized operating system. Other Cool Enhancements There’s a lot of excitement packed into Windows 11. Here are a few more new features you can explore. Copilot in Microsoft Shopping: Find what you need fast when shopping online. Bing will provide tailored recommendations based on your requests. Content Credentials: Add an invisible digital watermark to your AI-generated images in Bing. Cryptographic methods help you tag your work. Bing Chat Enterprise Updates: Boost work creativity and enjoy multimodal visual search. Find information using only images. DALL.E 3 Model from Open AI: Use the Image Creator in Bing and you’ll likely be impressed. It’s had an upgrade and uses the DALL.E 3 model to render images from text prompts. Harness the Power of Microsoft Products Microsoft is definitely a leader in work productivity tools. And it has been for a long time. If you’re still working like it was 2020, let us help you upgrade. Employees can be more efficient than ever with the right apps. We’ve got your back with Microsoft 365, Windows 11, and other solutions. Our experts will guide you, so you can gain an edge on the competition. Give us a call to schedule a chat! Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Microsoft 365 Copilot. And tell you the key ways it’s going to improve M365 apps and your business workflows... Advanced AI is a new buzzword in cloud computing. The launch of tools like ChatGPT and Bard have made big waves. Developers are now racing to introduce the next level of features to apps. Features that do part of your work for you. Such as writing emails or making follow-up checklists based on contact data. These AI-based applications do much more than automate processes. People are using them to write business correspondence, create websites, and write scripts. AI is also quickly transforming the everyday office workflow. Microsoft is one of the biggest players in the office application field. It’s at the forefront of introducing transformative technology. The company is about to transform Microsoft 365 in a huge way with its new Copilot tool. Microsoft 365 Copilot is a new tool designed to help users get the most out of their Microsoft 365 apps. This revolutionary tool is an intelligent, personalized assistant. It’s designed to help users navigate and use M365 more efficiently. What is Microsoft 365 Copilot? Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered assistant. It helps users with their day-to-day tasks in M365 apps. It’s like having a personal assistant right in your Office apps. Users can ask questions, get help with tasks, and receive personalized recommendations. Copilot responds leveraging the context of their usage patterns. Microsoft 365 Copilot works across all M365 apps. This includes: Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook Teams and more Whether you’re doing any number of tasks, Microsoft 365 Copilot is there to assist you. This includes working on a document, meeting scheduling, or collaborating with a team. How Does Microsoft 365 Copilot Work? Microsoft 365 Copilot uses AI and machine learning to understand users’ needs. It provides personalized help. It uses data from users’ interactions with M365 apps. It learns a user’s usage patterns and offers recommendations based on their preferences. For example, say you frequently use certain features in Excel - Microsoft 365 Copilot will pick up on this and offer suggestions when it detects that you’re working on a similar task. Say that you’re working on a presentation in PowerPoint and struggling with design. Microsoft 365 Copilot can offer design suggestions based on your company’s brand guidelines. Microsoft 365 Copilot can also help users with common tasks such as scheduling meetings and managing emails. Users can simply ask Copilot for help with scheduling a meeting or finding an email from a specific person, and Copilot will take care of the rest. It will work with users to confirm its solutions and using those results to produce even better results in the future. Why is Microsoft Copilot Important? Copilot is important because it can help users be more productive and efficient. By providing personalized support, the tool can save users time and reduce frustration. Imagine you’re working on a report in Word and you’re struggling to format a table. Instead of spending time searching for a solution online. Or trying to figure it out on your own, you can simply ask Microsoft 365 Copilot for help. Copilot can offer suggestions. It can even walk you through the process, saving you time and reducing frustration. Microsoft 365 Copilot is also important because it can help users get more out of their M365 apps. Many users may not be aware of all the features and capabilities of their M365 apps. But with Copilot, they can discover new ways to work more efficiently and effectively. The capabilities of Copilot go even further. Say that you need to give your team an update on a marketing strategy. You won’t need to dig out emails, chat threads, or meeting notes. Instead, you can ask Copilot to “tell my team how we updated the marketing strategy.” The app will then search all those places for you and craft an update for your team. Need a first draft of a meeting agenda or presentation? Just ask Copilot. It can access existing M365 documents and content and craft an initial draft for you. Benefits of Using Microsoft 365 Copilot Personalized Help Microsoft 365 Copilot provides personalized help based on users’ usage patterns and preferences. This means that users get the help they need when they need it, without having to search for solutions on their own. Time-Saving Microsoft 365 Copilot can help users save time on common tasks. Such as scheduling meetings and formatting documents. It can take on many information gathering tasks, like summarizing meeting notes. This saves users considerable time. Especially for manual tasks such as searching for information. Knowledge workers spend an average of 2.5 hours per day searching for information. Reduced Frustration Microsoft 365 Copilot can help reduce frustration. It provides solutions when users are stuck on a task. The tool can also help users struggling with an Excel chart or table. Instead of having to figure out how to generate it, they can simply give a command to Copilot to do it for them. Improved Productivity Microsoft Copilot handles tasks that go beyond what business apps have historically done. For example, you can use it in PowerPoint to create a presentation for you. Use a command such as, “Create a six-slide presentation based on (this) document.” You can also tell it to find appropriate Microsoft stock photos and insert them. The sky is the limit right now for how much this tool is going to impact office productivity. Improve Your Microsoft 365 Value & Security Need help with security or setup in Microsoft 365? Give us a call today to talk to one of our cloud app experts. Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

Fifty percent of SMBs have been victims of cyberattacks. More than 60% of them go out of business afterward. Critical mistakes leave these companies vulnerable... Cybercriminals can launch very sophisticated attacks. But it’s often lax cybersecurity practices that enable most breaches. This is especially true when it comes to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Small business owners often don’t prioritize cybersecurity measures. They may be just fully focused on growing the company. They think they have a lower data breach risk. Or they may think it’s an expense they can’t bear. But cybersecurity is not only a concern for large corporations. It’s a critical issue for small businesses as well. Small businesses are often seen as attractive targets for cybercriminals, which is due to the many perceived vulnerabilities most SMBs share. Are You Making Any of These 10 Cybersecurity Mistakes? To address an issue, you need to first identify the problem. Often times SMB employees are making mistakes they don’t even notice. Below are some of the biggest reasons small businesses fall victim to cyberattacks. Read on to see if any of this sounds familiar around your company. 1. Underestimating the Threat One of the biggest cybersecurity mistakes of SMBs is underestimating the threat landscape. Many business owners assume that their company is too small to be a target. But this is a dangerous misconception. Cybercriminals often see small businesses as easy targets. They believe the company lacks the resources or expertise to defend against attacks. It’s essential to understand that no business is too small for cybercriminals to target. Being proactive in cybersecurity is crucial. 2. Neglecting Employee Cybersecurity Training When was the last time you trained your employees on cybersecurity? Small businesses often neglect cybersecurity training for their employees. Owners assume that they will naturally be cautious online. But the human factor is a significant source of security vulnerabilities. Employees may inadvertently click on malicious links or download infected files. Staff cybersecurity training helps them: Recognize phishing attempts Understand the importance of strong passwords Be aware of social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals 3. Using Weak Passwords Weak passwords are a common security vulnerability in small companies. Many employees use easily guessable passwords. They also reuse the same password for several accounts. This can leave your company’s sensitive information exposed to hackers. People reuse passwords 64% of the time. Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security. 4. Ignoring Software Updates Failing to keep software and operating systems up to date is another mistake. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to systems. Small businesses should regularly update their software to patch known security flaws. This includes operating systems, web browsers, and antivirus programs. 5. Lacking a Data Backup Plan Small companies may not have formal data backup and recovery plans. They might mistakenly assume that data loss won’t happen to them. But data loss can occur due to various reasons. This includes cyberattacks, hardware failures, or human errors. Regularly back up your company’s critical data. Test the backups to ensure they can be successfully restored in case of a data loss incident. 6. No Formal Security Policies Small businesses often operate without clear policies and procedures. With no clear and enforceable security policies, employees may not know critical information. Such as how to handle sensitive data. Or how to use company devices securely or respond to security incidents. Small businesses should establish formal security policies and procedures. As well as communicate them to all employees. These policies should cover things like: Password management Data handling Incident reporting Remote work security And other security topics 7. Ignoring Mobile Security As more employees use mobile devices for work, mobile security is increasingly important. Small companies often overlook this aspect of cybersecurity. Put in place mobile device management (MDM) solutions. These enforce security policies on company- and employee-owned devices used for work-related activities. 8. Failing to Regularly Watch Networks SMBs may not have IT staff to watch their networks for suspicious activities. This can result in delayed detection of security breaches. Install network monitoring tools. Or consider outsourcing network monitoring services. This can help your business promptly identify and respond to potential threats. 9. No Incident Response Plan In the face of a cybersecurity incident, SMBs without an incident response plan may panic. They can also respond ineffectively. Develop a comprehensive incident response plan. One that outlines the steps to take when a security incident occurs. This should include communication plans, isolation procedures, and a clear chain of command. 10. Thinking They Don’t Need Managed IT Services Cyber threats are continually evolving. New attack techniques emerge regularly. Small businesses often have a hard time keeping up. Yet, they believe they are “too small” to pay for managed IT services. Managed services come in all package sizes. This includes those designed for SMB budgets. A managed service provider (MSP) can keep your business safe from cyberattacks. As well as save you money at the same time by optimizing your IT. Learn More About Managed IT Services Today! Don’t risk losing your business because of a cyberattack. Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be expensive. Gigabits offers a wide range of IT Solutions that every modern business needs to stay safe and secure in today's digital landscape. Give us a call today to schedule a chat, we are always ready to help! Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

The latest operating system to lose all support is Windows 8.1. The OS was released in 2013 and was officially retired on January 10, 2023. Microsoft issued the following warning for companies: “Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations.” Here are a few facts you should know: The OS Will Still Technically Work Your System Will No Longer Receive Security Patches Options for Upgrading are Windows 10 or 11 What Happens If I Don’t Upgrade? Security & Compliance Issues Slowed Productivity Incompatibility With Newer Tools Get Help With Your Windows Upgrades Give us a call today to schedule a chat about upgrades and where your security stands. Companies both large and small share this one cybersecurity problem. They have computers that are still running older operating systems. Staff might use these devices only occasionally. Or the company may be running customized software that won’t run on newer OS versions. The problem is that when the OS becomes outdated, the system is open to cyberattacks. When Microsoft or another developer retires an OS, it means that it is no longer supported. No more feature updates and no more security patches for newly found vulnerabilities. The latest operating system to lose all support is Windows 8.1. Microsoft released the OS in 2013, and it was officially retired on January 10, 2023. Microsoft issued the following warning for companies: “Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations.” Here are a few facts you should know about what this retirement of Windows 8.1 means. The OS Will Still Technically Work When an operating system reaches its end of life, it doesn’t just stop working. Thus, many companies go on using it without realizing the security risk. Technically, the OS will work as it did the day before retirement. But it’s a lot less safe due to the loss of support. Your System Will No Longer Receive Security Patches Software and OS vulnerabilities are sought out and exploited all the time. This is what hackers do for a living. The vulnerability cycle usually begins with hackers finding a software “loophole.” They then write code to exploit it that allows them some type of system access. The software developer learns of this, usually once hackers start breaching systems. They write code to fix that vulnerability. Developers then send the fix to users via an update that they install. This protects the device from one or more hacker exploits. When an OS reaches its end of life, these fixes are no longer made. The developer has moved on to focus on its newer products. So, the vulnerability remains. It leaves a device vulnerable to hacks for days, months, or years afterward. Approximately 61% of security vulnerabilities in corporate networks are over five years old. Options for Upgrading If you have a computer that is still running Windows 8.1, you have two options for upgrading. You can opt for Windows 10 or Windows 11. If the computer is running such an old OS, there is a chance your system may not meet the requirements for one or both. In this case, you may need to buy a new device altogether. Microsoft states that there is no free option to upgrade from 8.1 to Windows 10 or 11. Some of the advantages you gain when upgrading include: Better built-in security Faster processing Capability for more modern features (like facial recognition) Improved accessibility features Updated productivity tools (like snap layouts in Windows 11) What Happens If I Don’t Upgrade? Security & Compliance Issues Your data security is at risk if you stay on Windows 8.1. Without any security updates, any vulnerabilities will stay unpatched. This leaves your system highly vulnerable to a breach. One hacked system on a network can also cause the breach or malware infection to spread to newer devices. If you have to comply with a data privacy regulation, like HIPAA, you’ll also run into issues. Data privacy rules dictate making reasonable efforts to protect data. Using a device with an outdated OS jeopardizes meeting compliance. Slowed Productivity The older systems get, the slower they get. Staff that must work on outdated software often complain that it hurts productivity. 77% of surveyed employees were frustrated with outdated tech. Employees dealing with outmoded systems may also quit. They are 450% more likely to want to leave and work elsewhere. An outdated operating system can hold your staff back. They miss out on modern time-saving features. They can also run into problems with bugs that will no longer get fixed. Incompatibility With Newer Tool Software and hardware developers aren’t looking back. Once Microsoft retires an OS, they aren’t prioritizing its compatibility. In fact, some may not want their product to be compatible with it because of the liability. When you have issues using modern software and hardware it hurts your business. You become less competitive and begin to fall behind. Staying on an outmoded OS keeps you stuck in the past. Get Help With Your Windows Upgrades It can be intimidating to upgrade your system’s operating system. Why not get a pro to help? We can help you upgrade smoothly from an older Windows OS to a new one. If you need a new system, we can point you in the right direction for the best value. Give us a call today to schedule a chat about upgrades and where your security stands. Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system (OS) over a year ago Yet with several improvements and a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, it still lags in adoption. As of November 2022, Windows 10 had a 69.75% usage share. It was 16.13% for Windows 11. Windows 11 packs a lot of great productivity and security benefits. Here are some of the coolest features in this current Windows OS. Snap Layouts Master Search Clipchamp Video Editor MS Teams Video Audio & Text Messaging Accessibility Features Collections in Microsoft Edge Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Looking for someone in the Pooler or Savannah area to talk to? Talk to us today if you want a non-salesy chat about your computer or I.T. needs. Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system (OS) over a year ago. It was largely well-received as stable and user-friendly. The OS is not a large departure from the Windows 10 experience. But it does offer a lot of enhancements over the older environment. Yet with several improvements and a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, it still lags in adoption. As of November 2022, Windows 10 still owns the lion’s share of Windows PCs. It has a 69.75 percent usage share as compared to 16.13 percent for Windows 11. People are slowly upgrading to the newer OS. But it’s natural for some to take a wait-and-see stance. They want to make sure it’s worth the time to upgrade. Additionally, no one wants to have to relearn their computer desktop. The good news is that Windows 11 has a similar workspace feel to its predecessor. But it packs a lot of great productivity and security benefits that Windows 10 lacks. Here are some of the coolest features in this current Windows OS. After taking a look, you may choose to go ahead and take the plunge into the Windows 11 universe. Snap Layouts Most people are working with more than one app open at a time. It’s not unusual to need to reference two different windows while doing side-by-side work. Switching back and forth between apps can be tedious. It’s also time-consuming. Approximately 68% of app users say that switching between apps costs them at least 30 minutes per day. Trying to size two windows next to each other can also be frustrating. You lose the scroll bar or can’t get to the menu items unless you resize. Enter snap layouts. This nifty feature in Windows 11 solves the multi-app problem. Simply hover over the maximize icon at the top of any window to get access to a snap layout. Choose the area you want for the active app, and it will snap into place and allow you to choose apps for the other slots. Master Search Need to find a document, website, image, or app quickly? Use the Windows 11 master search. Just click the search icon on your desktop. You’ll get a search bar that will populate results from the entered keyword. As an added touch, Microsoft populates fun topics into the search bar daily. Learn more about James Webb Space Telescope, Coffee Day, or other fun subjects. Once you enter your keyword, you can further refine your search. Refine it according to the type of search result you want. (apps, documents, web, etc.). Clipchamp Video Editor In the latest Windows 11 update, Microsoft gifted users with a free video editor. The new Clipchamp app makes it easy to edit videos. You don't need to download any extra software. Image from Microsoft Clipchamp has a lot of the features you’d expect to have to pay for. These include templates, effects, video resizing, green screen, and more. MS Teams Video, Audio & Text Messaging Video calls have become the norm since the pandemic. But not all video software is easy to use. Most of us have had to wait on someone late to a call because they were struggling with the app. Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Teams preinstalled. This gives you a simple click-to-call experience. You can easily invite someone to a video or audio call. The person does not need to have a Microsoft account to connect with you. This makes things easy on both sides. Another great feature of the Teams app in this OS is the fact that you can use it for SMS messaging. Instead of having to drag out your phone, just text someone from your desktop. Accessibility Features Windows 11 has some great accessibility features. They're designed to help ensure everyone can use their computer as they want. Those with disabilities can enjoy these features. As well as those that like the extra flexibility they offer. Four of the newest accessibility features in the OS include: System-wide live captions Focus sessions Voice access More natural voices for Narrator, Windows’ built-in screen reader Collections in Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows. It’s worth checking out if you haven’t yet. Especially because of a feature called “collections.” If your bookmarked favorites are becoming a mess, you’ll love this Edge capability. If you click the “plus” icon at the top of an Edge browser window, you’ll get the collections panel. Add a collection subject and click to add webpages. You can see a preview of what you’ve added, and everything is nicely organized. Collections are easy to access and easy to delete when you’re finished with them. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Phishing remains the biggest online security threat. It’s used to enable many forms of cyberattacks, from ransomware to credential theft. A significant number of phishing messages send users to malicious websites. You often don’t know until it’s too late that you’ve landed on a malware-laden site. Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. This app helps protect you from those dangerous phishing sites. The app checks URLs in real-time against a dynamic list of reported phishing sites. It will warn you if a site is potentially dangerous. Want an Expert to Help with Your Windows 11 Upgrade? It can be intimidating to upgrade your system’s operating system. Why not get a pro to help? Give us a call today to schedule a chat about a Windows upgrade. Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

Your business can benefit a lot from working with an IT provider. However, you need to avoid several key mistakes when choosing your team. Time spent on trying to figure out the technology you use in your business can be costly. While doing that, you can’t focus on your business needs, which can then result in poor customer satisfaction. This is where IT providers come into play. They enable you to outsource hardware and computing-related services, such as managed IT security and cloud computing. IT providers can also provide a robust IT infrastructure so that you can direct your attention to revenue-generating activities. While there are numerous IT providers to choose from, not all of them may accommodate your business’s specific needs. And integrating with the wrong team can raise your spending due to irrelevant services, recurring security issues, data backup problems, and downtime. Therefore, you need to be extra careful when selecting your team. The only way to avoid disappointment is to avoid these eight common mistakes when looking for the right IT provider. THE SEVEN MISTAKES MISTAKE #1 - INSISTING ON THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGY Many advertisers want to trick you into believing that the latest technology will resolve all your issues. While the newest virtualization or cloud offerings can boost operations in many enterprises, they might not suit your business. Hence, don’t let the hype surrounding new products dazzle you. Carefully consider the results your IT provider will help you achieve and determine if the investment enables you to fulfill them. Your provider shouldn’t confuse you with state-of-the-art features – they should guide you and allow for seamless integration. MISTAKE #2 - FAILURE TO CONSIDER THE RESPONSE TIMES Determining the response times of your prospective IT providers is essential. You need to ask them how long they usually take to reply to queries and resolve problems. Be sure to gauge their onsite support efficiency, too. Not inquiring about their availability is another grave error. Your IT team should provide round-the-clock services, including specialists that will monitor your system. Constant monitoring and availability can help ensure you can detect IT issues early. With this, the provider can immediately administer patches and updates to safeguard against disasters. Furthermore, your IT provider should offer simple access to their desk support. You should be able to contact them via email, phone, and chat for instant guidance. MISTAKE #3 - NEGLECTING THE SECURITY ASPEC Disregarding the security features of your IT provider might be the most severe mistake. Teams with improper defense mechanisms can’t shield your system from cyber attackers, increasing the risk of losing data and access to resources. To avoid this, look for IT providers that can protect you from malware and other threats. They also need to prioritize protecting your business’s confidential data, like trade secrets and customer information. When it comes to specific security measures, your IT provider should have features that prevent data intrusions instantly upon detection. The list includes phishing attacks simulations, web content filtering, DNS security, endpoint protection, mobile device management, and dark web protection. In addition, responsible teams should eliminate point-of-sale and network intrusions before they compromise your system. Making sure they abide by security compliance and government regulations is also paramount MISTAKE #4 - FORGETTING THE BUDGET Many IT companies operate under pay-as-you-go pricing schemes. Although this helps you minimize upfront investment, adopting a large number of technologies simultaneously without considering the recurring costs can cripple your finances. Thus, think twice before signing on the dotted line. Research your providers thoroughly and draft your budget with professional assistance. These steps can prevent considerable frustration down the line. MISTAKE #5 - NOT DETERMINING SCALABILITY One of the biggest impediments to growing your company is choosing an IT provider with poor scalability. By contrast, scalable IT teams allow your business to evolve and grow. They can continually extend their services to accommodate your company’s goals, even if these goals change MISTAKE #6 - OPTING FOR A NON-RESPONSIVE SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT Service level agreements (SLAs) hold IT providers accountable for their services. It establishes standards for responsibilities, quality, scope, and delivery time in writing. Without it, you’ll have no way of ensuring transparent collaboration. When selecting your IT provider, find one with a responsive agreement. It can help guarantee the SLA scales with their services while rendering continual improvement. MISTAKE #7 - IGNORING EXPERIENCES WITH PREVIOUS CLIENTS Choosing an IT provider is similar to buying standard products and services. Failure to check user reviews can lead to disappointment. To get a clear picture of your IT team’s capabilities, analyze their current and previous clients from similar industries. Look for reviews, testimonials, and ask the provider for a list of projects and references. After doing your due diligence, you should be able to tell whether an IT provider is an ideal match for your company. However, keep in mind that every IT team is different. For instance, they might be well-versed in the healthcare industry but have no experience working with retailers. That’s why as mentioned, stick to IT providers servicing your industry to get the best results. FIND THE RIGHT FIT Nobody wants to end up with a poor IT provider that can’t deliver great results, leaves your company open to cyberattacks, and causes other vulnerabilities. Your investment goes down the drain, and your operations suffer. Luckily, we can show you a way out. Let’s arrange a quick, 10-15-minute obligation-free chat. We can discuss more ways on how to find the right IT provider for you and ensure you get your money’s worth. Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

Managing data and IT solutions in-house can be challenging and expensive. That's why many organizations turn to MSPs. Digitalization has forced businesses to alter their operations and make IT a huge part of their day-to-day affairs. Still, some owners can't cope with the change effectively, so they hire a managed service provider, or MSP, to take care of the work. But what exactly is an MSP? Simply put, this is a third-party company you can collaborate with to help manage parts of your business, such as your IT or cloud needs. It provides technology and expertise to boost your organization’s scalability. Working with MSPs can have tremendous benefits for your enterprise. For instance, their profound understanding of cutting-edge technology can help you improve performance, operations, and security while reducing overheads. In addition, they can offer several creative solutions to help you navigate the evolving landscape of the big data world. But the strongest suit of any MSP is usually their ability to deliver tailor-made solutions that fit your company perfectly. Their expertise allows them to analyze your business thoroughly and render their services according to your strengths and weaknesses. Plus, they consider the regulatory environment and compliance to safeguard against legal issues. Another great thing about MSPs is that they can support your business even after hours. They offer support measures and staff to maintain and protect your organization 24/7. MSPs can even tap into your system to resolve issues and deploy updates without going to your office using remote technology. Overall, MSPs can help take your company to the next level. However, you can't work with just any service provider. You need to select the right team for your enterprise, and this article will show you how. CHOOSING AN MSP – WHAT TO LOOK FOR Hiring an MSP shouldn't be a hasty decision. Instead, you want to take a variety of factors into account. Here are the five important factors to keep in mind: FACTOR #1. THE MSP'S TRACK RECORD Prospective MSPs should provide case studies and success stories to demonstrate they're suitable for your business. You can also look for testimonials, references, and endorsements. These will help you determine if the team has been operating for a while and if its reputation is solid. Working with a reputable MSP can give you peace of mind with the knowledge that your system will be appropriately managed. Moreover, you'll feel confident that the MSP will do all in its power to preserve its name. The MSP's success hinges on yours in some respect, which is why they'll view you as a valuable partner. FACTOR #2. THE RANGE OF SERVICES IT PROVIDES MSPs offer a wide array of services. Some teams are full-service companies, meaning they address your cloud and IT needs comprehensively. In contrast, others may help you with different pieces of your tech puzzle. Therefore, consider your needs carefully and ensure your MSP can meet them. Regardless of your service package, the MSP needs to keep up with the latest technology trends. Otherwise, numerous security issues may compromise your company and allow the competition to prevail over you. FACTOR #3. RESPONSE TIME Your network can go down for any number of reasons, preventing your employees from working and your clients from reaching you. This situation can even cripple your reputation, customer base, and revenue. In the worst-case scenario, it can even make you shut down your business. Fortunately, a high-quality MSP can help you avoid this scenario. They can identify threats to your system and neutralize them before hurting your company. Moreover, if an incident takes place, they should respond immediately. They need to mitigate the risks as soon as possible to keep your organization from crumbling. FACTOR #4. SECURITY AND BACKUP One of the most important duties your MSP should perform is to shield your data from cyberattacks. This is critical to protecting your company and customers. Besides, safe data storage might be mandatory in your industry, which is why your IT department could use all the help they can get. Once you work with an MSP, they should recommend robust security solutions and endpoint protection to combat harmful software. And throughout their engagement, they should consider compliance to help prevent legal issues. Another major part of their mission should be the implementation of backup software. It enables you to retrieve your data in case of a breach. Such implementation may involve automation, a restoration plan, and a no-downtime policy. With a failproof backup and security strategy in place, you should be able to run your company more confidently. The risk of downtime will be drastically lower, allowing you to operate smoothly, maintain high sales, retain customers, and preserve your brand. FACTOR #5. GUIDANCE ON WORKFLOW OPTIONS Your MSP shouldn't just deal with cybersecurity – they should also suggest adopting the best practices across the entire tech landscape. For example, they should advise you on various CRM solutions and project management applications. They should also help you revamp your approach to workflow and data to create efficiency in all departments. The fact is, you can yield tremendous results from their guidance. Your team can work faster, collaborate in real time, and be more tech-savvy. RECRUIT YOUR MSP CAREFULLY While price is important when selecting an MSP, it pales in comparison to all the factors listed above. Be sure they're a perfect fit for your enterprise, even if you need to pay more. With high expertise, customized services, and an understanding of threats, a reputable team can help you stay ahead of your competitors. If you need more assistance choosing your MSP, get in touch with our experienced team. Let's schedule a quick 15-minute chat and figure out the ideal MSP for your company. Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

Are you monitoring all the different endpoints that connect to your network? Each of these represents a potential data breach. Learn how to better protect your network with this simple endpoint protection guide. Endpoints make up much of a company’s network and IT infrastructure. This is a collection of computers, mobile devices, servers, and smart gadgets. As well as other IoT devices that all connect to the company network. The number of endpoints a company has will vary by business size. Companies with less than 50 employees have about 22 endpoints. Small businesses with 50-100 employees have roughly 114. Enterprise organizations with 1,000+ employees average 1,920 endpoints. Each of those devices is a chance for a hacker to penetrate a company’s defenses. They could plant malware or gain access to sensitive company data. An endpoint security strategy addresses endpoint risk and puts focused tactics in place. 64% of organizations have experienced one or more compromising endpoint attacks. In this guide, we’ll provide you with straightforward solutions. Solutions focused on the protection of endpoint devices. Address Password Vulnerabilities Passwords are one of the biggest vulnerabilities when it comes to endpoints. The news reports large data breaches all the time related to leaked passwords. For example, there is the RockYou2021 breach. It exposed the largest number of passwords ever – 3.2 billion. Poor password security and breaches make credential theft one of the biggest dangers to cybersecurity. Address password vulnerabilities in your endpoints by: Training employees on proper password creation and handling Look for passwordless solutions, like biometrics Install multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts Apply Security Policies Throughout the Device Lifecycle From the time a device is first purchased to the time it retires, you need to have security protocols in place. Tools like Microsoft AutoPilot and SEMM allow companies to automate. They deploy healthy security practices across each lifecycle phase. This ensures a company doesn't miss any critical steps. Examples of device lifecycle security include when a device is first issued to a user. This is when you should remove unnecessary privileges. When a device moves from one user to another, it needs to be properly cleaned of old data. And reconfigured for the new user. When you retire a device, it should be properly scrubbed. This means deleting all information and disconnecting it from any accounts. Update All Endpoint Security Solutions You should regularly update your endpoint security solutions. It’s best to automate software updates if possible so they aren’t left to chance. Firmware updates are often forgotten about. One reason is that they don’t usually pop up the same types of warnings as software updates. But they are just as important for ensuring your devices remain secure and protected. It’s best to have an IT professional managing all your endpoint updates. They'll make sure updates happen in a timely fashion. They will also ensure that devices and software update smoothly. Use Modern Device & User Authentication How are you authenticating users to access your network, business apps, and data? If you are using only a username and password, then your company is at high risk of a breach. Use two modern methods for authentication: Contextual authentication Zero Trust approach Contextual authentication takes MFA a step further. It looks at context-based cues for authentication and security policies. These include several things. Such as, what time of day someone is logging in, their geographic location, and the device they are using. Zero Trust is an approach that continuously monitors your network. It ensures every entity in a network belongs there. Safelisting of devices is an example of this approach. You approve all devices for access to your network and block all others by default. Stop Malware Infection Before OS Boot USB drives (also known as flash drives) are a popular giveaway item at trade shows. But an innocent-looking USB can actually cause a breach. One trick that hackers use to gain access to a computer is to boot it from a USB device containing malicious code. There are certain precautions you can take to prevent this from happening. One of these is ensuring you’re using firmware protection that covers two areas. These include Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Security. TPM is resistant to physical tampering and tampering via malware. It looks at whether the boot process is occurring properly. It also monitors for the presence of anomalous behavior. Additionally, seek devices and security solutions that allow you to disable USB boots. Prepare for Device Loss or Theft Unfortunately, mobile devices and laptops get lost or stolen. When that happens, you should have a sequence of events that can take place immediately. This prevents company's risk of data and exposed business accounts. Prepare in advance for potential device loss through backup solutions. Also, you should use endpoint security that allows remote lock and wipe for devices. Reduce Your Endpoint Risk Today! Get help putting robust endpoint security in place, step by step. We can help! Contact us today for a free consultation. Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

The holiday shopping season is taking off. This means that scammers have also revved up their engines. You need to beware, so you’re not scammed. Here are some critical safety tips to improve your online holiday shopping Check for Device Updates Before You Shop Don’t Go to Websites from Email Links Use a Wallet App Where Possible Remove Any Saved Payment Cards After Checking Out Make Sure the Site Uses HTTPS (Emphasis on “S”) Double Check the Site URL Never Shop Online When on Public Wi-Fi Be On High Alert for Brand Impersonation Emails & Texts Enable Banking Alerts & Check Your Account Contact us today for a security checkup. The holiday shopping season is taking off. This means that scammers have also revved up their engines. They're primed and ready to take advantage of all those online transactions. Don’t forget to stay safe online during the buying frenzy that occurs this time of year. An ounce of cybersecurity prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. It can also save you from a financial or privacy nightmare. Here are some of the most critical safety tips to improve your online holiday shopping. Check for Device Updates Before You Shop Computers, tablets, and smartphones that have old software are vulnerable. While you may not want to wait through a 10-minute iPhone update, it’s going to keep you more secure. Hackers often use vulnerabilities found in device operating systems. Updates install patches for known vulnerabilities, reducing your risk. Make sure to install all updates before you use your device for online holiday shopping. Don’t Go to Websites from Email Links Yes, it’s annoying to have to type in “amazon.com” rather than just clicking a link in an email. But phishing scams are at an all-time high this time of year. If you click on an email link to a malicious site, it can start an auto download of malware. It's best to avoid clicking links, instead visit the website directly. If you want to make things easier, save sites as shopping bookmarks in your browser. This is safer than clicking a text or email link. Use a Wallet App Where Possible It’s always a risk when you give your debit or credit card to a website. The risk is even higher if you’re doing holiday shopping on a site you haven’t purchased from before. Where possible, buy using a wallet app or PayPal. This eliminates the need to give your payment card details directly to the merchant. Instead, you share them with the wallet app service (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, etc.). But the retailer doesn’t get them. Remove Any Saved Payment Cards After Checking Out There are many websites (including Amazon) that automatically save your payment card details. This is bad. Yes, it may make the next buy more convenient, but it puts you at risk. A hacker with access to your device or account could make purchases. There is also the risk of a data breach of the retailer. These are common and can leak sensitive customer payment information. The fewer databases you allow to store your payment details, the better for your security. Immediately after you check out, remove your payment card from the site. You will usually need to go to your account settings to do this. Make Sure the Site Uses HTTPS HTTPS has largely become the standard for websites now. This is instead of “HTTP” without the “S” on the end. HTTPS means that a website encrypts the data transmitted through the site. Such as your name, address, and payment information. You should NEVER shop on a website that doesn’t use HTTPS in the address bar. An extra indicator is a small lock icon in front of the website address. Double Check the Site URL We all make typos from time to time. Especially when typing on a small smartphone screen. One typo can land you on a copycat site (such as Amazonn(dot)com). Hackers buy domains that are close to the real ones for popular retailers. Then, they put up copycat sites designed to fool users that make a mistake when typing the URL. Take those extra few seconds to double-check that you’ve landed on the correct website. Do this before you start shopping. Never Shop Online When on Public Wi-Fi When you connect your device to public Wi-Fi, you might as well expect a stranger to be stalking you. Hackers LOVE the holiday shopping season and will hang out in popular public Wi-Fi spots. They spy on the activities of other devices connected to that same free hotspot. This can give them access to everything you type in. Such as passwords and credit card information. Never shop online when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Instead, switch off Wi-Fi and move to your mobile carrier’s connection Be On High Alert for Brand Impersonation Emails & Texts Phishing scammers were very active during the holiday shopping season of 2021. There was a 397% increase in typo-squatting domains connected to phishing attacks. While you need to be careful all the time about phishing, it’s even worse during the holiday season. Attackers know that people are expecting retailer holiday sales emails. They also get a flurry of order confirmations and shipping notices this time of year. Hackers use these emails as templates. They impersonate brands like Target, UPS, Amazon, and others. Their emails look nearly identical to the real thing. They trick you to get you to click and/or log in to a malicious website. Be on high alert for brand impersonation emails. This is another reason why it’s always better to go to a site directly, rather than by using an email link. Enable Banking Alerts & Check Your Account Phishing Check your bank account regularly. Look for any suspicious charges that could signal a breach. One way to automate a monitoring process is to set up banking alerts through your online banking app. For example, many banks allow you to set up alerts for events such as: When a purchase occurs over a specified dollar amount When a purchase occurs from outside the country How Secure Is Your Device? Malware is often deployed in holiday shopping scams. How secure is your device from malicious apps and malware? Contact us today for a security checkup. We proudly serve Pooler, GA and its neighboring cities! Republished with Permission from The Technology Press

Have you ever bought a new computer and then had buyer’s remorse a few months later? An investment in a new PC isn’t something you want to do lightly. Doing your research ahead of time and consulting with a trusted friend or IT shop can help. Here are several things to consider before you buy a new computer. The Amount of Memory (RAM) User Reviews for Longevity Whether the PC is for Personal or Business Use The Processor Used For Laptops: The Case Type Storage Capacity Hard Drive Type Come to Us Before You Spend Money on a New Computer Contact us today for a free consultation to save you from a bad new PC experience Have you ever bought a new computer and then had buyer’s remorse a few months later? Maybe you didn’t pay attention to the storage capacity and ran out of space. Or you may have glossed over memory and experienced constant freeze-ups. An investment in a new PC isn’t something you want to do lightly. Doing your research ahead of time and consulting with a trusted friend or IT shop can help. It will keep you from making major mistakes that could come back to haunt you later. Here are several things to consider before you put down your hard-earned money on a new computer. The Amount of Memory (RAM) One of the big mistakes that people make when looking for a new computer is to ignore the RAM. Random access memory may be called RAM on the specification or “memory.” If your system has low memory, you run into all sorts of problems. These issues can include: Browser freezing up when you have too many tabs open Issues watching videos Some software not working properly Sluggish behavior Inability to open multiple applications Constant freezes Memory is the “thought process” of the PC. If there isn’t enough, it can’t take on another task until it completes the current processing tasks. This can cause frustration and ruin your productivity. People often go for those low-priced computer deals when looking for a new device. But these can include only 4GB of RAM. That’s not a lot if you do much more than staying in a single application or just a few browser tabs. The higher the RAM, the more responsive the system performance. So, look for PCs with at least 8GB of RAM. Or higher if you do any graphics/video or other processing-intensive activities User Reviews for Longevity Buying a new computer is an investment. So, it’s natural to want that investment to last as long as possible. You don’t want to spend $700 on a new computer, only to begin experiencing problems when it’s just two years old. Take your time to research user reviews on the specific models you’re considering. You’ll begin to see patterns emerging. Steer clear of models that have consistent complaints about breakdowns sooner than expected. You may have to pay a little more for a system that has a better track record of performance. But it will save you in the long run when you have more years of usable life before that device needs replacement Whether the PC is for Personal or Business Use If you have a small business in Pooler or a neighboring city, you may try to save money by buying a consumer PC. But this could end up costing you more in the long run. Consumer PCs aren’t designed for continuous “9-to-5” use. They also often lack certain types of firmware security present in business-use models. The price gap has also shortened between good consumer computers and business versions. If you’re not looking at the cheap systems, you’ll find that it’s not that much more to get a business-grade device. The Processor Used It can be confusing to read through the processor specifications on a computer. How do you know if Intel Core i7 or i3 is best for your needs? What’s the performance difference between AMD and Intel processors? If you don’t want to do the research yourself, you can give us a call. We will be happy to steer you in the right direction. We’ll explain in layman’s terms the differences. As well as which processor makes the most sense for your intended use. For Laptops: The Case Type If you’re looking for a laptop computer, it’s important that it is durable. Laptops have some unique characteristics that differ from desktops. For example, the screen is often folded down one or more times per day. Additionally, the keyboard is part of the case and is not easily replaced by the user. If you get a laptop with a cheap plastic case, it’s bound to break during normal use. Keys could also easily pop off the keyboard, requiring a trip to a computer repair shop. You want to consider the materials used for the case. Paying an extra $20-$30 upcharge for a better casing is definitely worth it. It can help you avoid unneeded headaches. Storage Capacity Storage capacity can be a pain point that you experience after the fact. If you buy a computer without paying attention to hard drive space, you could regret it. You may not be able to transfer over all your “stuff” from the old system. But storage capacity can also be an area where you can save some money. If you store most of your files in the cloud, then you may not need a lot of hard drive space. The less space you need, the lower the price. Hard Drive Type If you can get a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) you should. SSDs are faster and less likely to have read/write issues. They have no moving parts; thus, they are quieter as well. Solid-state drives have come down in price quite a bit recently. There are many affordable options, and you’ll also find some PCs with both a hard drive and SSD. Come to Us Before You Spend Money on a New Computer Don’t blindly invest in a new computer without some expert guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation to save you from a bad new PC experience. We proudly serve Pooler, GA and its neighboring cities! Republished with Permission from The Technology Press