6 Dec 2018

Tips for extending Android’s battery life

2018-12-07T07:19:22-07:00

Every new Android smartphone is packed with powerful hardware and features, but unfortunately, it also comes with a short battery life. Larger and brighter screens, faster processors, and applications running in the background all quickly drain power from ever thinner batteries. But all hope isn’t lost. You can follow these seven tips to make your Android phone’s battery life last longer.

Use power saving mode

The quickest way to conserve your battery life is by activating the power saving mode found in the settings of most Android phones. As of this writing, you can do this by going to Settings > Device maintenance, then tapping the Battery icon at the bottom left corner.

This mode limits your phone’s processor and reduces the screen’s brightness display, thereby using only the bare minimum power to keep its critical functions running. This means that even with the power saving mode on, you’ll still […]

Tips for extending Android’s battery life2018-12-07T07:19:22-07:00
5 Dec 2018

Virtualization Basics: Windows on Macs

2018-12-07T07:22:46-07:00

A common reason for running the Windows operating system (OS) on a Mac computer is to bypass compatibility issues. Virtualization is the only way to efficiently install OS-specific software on any machine, so let’s go over some of the ways this solution creates synergy between the two platforms.

Configure an entire machine with a few clicks

With programs like VMware and Parallels, installing Microsoft’s OS on your Mac is almost as easy as creating a new document in Office. The process varies between vendors, but it’s usually akin to clicking File and New and then choosing between Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10, and typing in your product key.

Deciding how much hard drive space and RAM get devoted to your virtual machine is also simple and user-friendly. For example, allocating memory to your Windows partition is done by sliding a marker along a scale that is color-coded based on the recommendations of your virtualization software.

Once you’ve completed these simple steps, click Finish and the rest will be configured for […]

Virtualization Basics: Windows on Macs2018-12-07T07:22:46-07:00
4 Dec 2018

How 5G data will impact VoIP

2018-12-04T08:58:15-07:00

Our craving for data seems to increase every year, fueling the constant advancements in wireless technology. The latest is 5G, an abbreviation for the fifth-generation wireless systems, and it is set to transform VoIP for the better. Here are three ways it will do that.

Improved Video Conferencing

The major factor holding web and video conferencing back is how fast current networks can transmit data. Fortunately, innovations like Web Real-Time-Communications (WebRTC) and 5G networks will enhance VoIP for businesses. Providing open and stable streaming as well as sufficient transfer speeds will soon allow businesses to accommodate higher-quality, even 4K and 8K resolution, videos.

Virtual and augmented reality

With 5G network speeds, virtual and augmented reality will become more common for SMBs. 5G will blow past 4G’s Gbps (gigabits per second) limit, which is currently holding back the adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications.

VR and AR need to process significantly more data because of the visuals they must process as users move, and this puts an enormous strain […]

How 5G data will impact VoIP2018-12-04T08:58:15-07:00
3 Dec 2018

Security challenges in healthcare IoT

2018-12-04T08:58:03-07:00

The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry. But as with any new technology, it also brings a slew of security risks healthcare professionals need to address.

Devices that contain a treasure trove of patient data are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Healthcare apps, for instance, contain plenty of sensitive information, such as social security numbers, prescriptions, and medical histories. Should hackers ever get a hold of this information, they’ll be able to steal their victim’s identity or resell the information on the dark web.

In certain cases, an attacker could have direct control over IoT equipment, causing potentially lethal results.

In August 2018, cardiovascular imaging device manufacturer Philips found that its devices could be exploited with a high-severity code execution flaw that could be sent over the Internet, and in an even more terrifying twist, McAfee researchers at the 2018 Defcon demonstrated that vital signs monitors could be remotely altered to simulate a flatline on a patient’s heartbeat.

Vulnerable medical devices are also gateways to a […]

Security challenges in healthcare IoT2018-12-04T08:58:03-07:00
30 Nov 2018

6 productivity hacks for Office 365

2018-12-04T08:57:49-07:00

This post contains some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Office 365 subscription. We’ll also share some of the options you can take advantage of when migrating your system to the cloud, including how to streamline the entire process based on your business needs.

Declutter your inbox

If you’re having trouble managing the overwhelming amount of emails in your inbox, then using Office 365’s “Clutter” feature can clear up some space. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Options > Mail > Automatic processing > Clutter then select Separate items identified as Clutter. Once activated, mark any unwanted messages as “clutter.” After learning your email preferences, Office 365 will automatically move low-priority messages into your “Clutter” folder, helping you focus on more important emails.

Ignore group emails

Want to keep messages from an email thread you don’t want to be part of out of your inbox? If so, simply go […]

6 productivity hacks for Office 3652018-12-04T08:57:49-07:00
29 Nov 2018

Declutter your PC with these Windows tools

2018-11-29T15:48:45-07:00

It doesn’t take long for computer desktops and hard drives to become cluttered, and it’s probably why your PC has been so slow lately. Luckily, Windows has great tools for getting rid of these five types of digital clutter that will have your computer performing like new in no time flat.

There are five types of clutter that may be causing your computer to perform so slowly. Usually, simply resetting or refreshing Windows will help you solve these issues.

  1. Windows updates – includes failed update downloads. While Windows will delete some of these corrupted and unusable files, others will hang around forever unless you reset Windows.
  2. Registry bloat – includes files and applications you’ve deleted in addition to every action performed in Windows, which is recorded in your computer’s registry. Redundant entries bog down your PC, and the solution is to reset Windows.
  3. Error logs – log files kept by Windows whenever software in your system encounters errors in processing or crashes altogether. And, as with registry bloat, […]
Declutter your PC with these Windows tools2018-11-29T15:48:45-07:00
28 Nov 2018

Do honest working hackers exist?

2018-11-29T15:48:36-07:00

The word “hacker” conjures up an image of a hoodie-wearing basement dweller that programs all sorts of malicious attacks to infiltrate their target’s computer. But hackers are so much more than that. There are also hackers that use their skills to do good.

A complicated history
In the 1950s, the term ‘hacker’ was vaguely defined. As computers and the people who worked with them became more accessible, the word was used to describe someone who explored the details and limits of technology by testing them from a variety of angles.

But by the 1980s, hackers became associated with teenagers who were being caught breaking into government computer systems — partially because that is what they called themselves, and partially because the word hacker has an inherently aggressive ring to it.

Today, several of those pioneering hackers run multimillion-dollar cybersecurity consulting businesses. So what should you call someone who uses their knowledge for good?

“White hat” hackers
Sometimes referred to as ethical hackers, or plain old network security specialists, these are the good guys. […]

Do honest working hackers exist?2018-11-29T15:48:36-07:00
27 Nov 2018

2018 Top time-saving tips for Macs

2018-11-29T15:48:30-07:00

We are driven by instinct to switch to tools that increase efficiency. This is as true as when our ancestors upgraded to sharper spears, as it is now as we continually update the operating systems of our Macs. However, there have been so many macOS improvements over the years that we often overlook the more beneficial ones. To help you out, we’ve compiled a checklist to help you reach the top of your game.

Declutter with Desktop Stacks

Because of enhanced syncing capabilities, the Mac Desktop is the best place for making files accessible from all your synced devices, be they on macOS or iOS. However, clutter can quickly build up on the Desktop, and it’s such a time-consuming hassle to organize everything.

Thankfully, Stacks can declutter your screen with just a few mouse clicks. Simply click on the desktop, then click View > Use Stacks. Or you can Control-click (right-click) on the desktop, then click Use Stacks. Stacks will then group files of the same kind together by default. […]

2018 Top time-saving tips for Macs2018-11-29T15:48:30-07:00
26 Nov 2018

Protect your IoT devices with these tips

2018-11-29T15:48:21-07:00

The Internet of Things (IoT) creates new business opportunities. For instance, companies can use smart sensors to track and monitor inventory. However, hackers can still get their hands on IoT devices given the chance to breach your network. Here are some precautions you should take to protect your IoT devices.

Set passwords

Not many people know they can set passwords for IoT devices, making their gadgets easy to hack. You have to make sure to set new and strong passwords — preferably with a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Then, use a password manager to keep track of all your passwords.

Disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

UPnP helps IoT gadgets discover and connect to other network devices. But this feature also serves as a gateway for hackers to infiltrate your devices and network. To prevent this, disable this feature.

Create a separate network

It’s a good idea to keep your IoT devices connected to their own network that’s separate from your main office network. This way, gadgets can […]

Protect your IoT devices with these tips2018-11-29T15:48:21-07:00
23 Nov 2018

Six Gmail tips your business needs

2018-11-29T15:46:13-07:00

For most small-business owners, processing email takes up a significant portion of the day. If you use Gmail, you’re already working with a powerful platform with various productivity-enhancing features. But what if you could streamline the process even further while ensuring each message is dealt with appropriately? The following tips will do the trick.

Undo Send

We’ve all had an email or two we wish we could take back. Gmail has a neat feature that gives you a short period of time to recall a mistakenly sent message. Simply click the Undo link that appears to the right of the “Your message has been sent” notification.

Canned Responses

Dubbed as “email for the truly lazy,” Canned Responses is a new feature that allows you to save time and reuse an email that you designate as a Canned Response. Similar to an email template, it saves copious amounts of time since you won’t have to retype the same responses over and over again. It comes in handy for businesses that send plenty […]

Six Gmail tips your business needs2018-11-29T15:46:13-07:00
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