25 Sep 2018

4 Social engineering scams to watch out for

2020-09-18T15:56:06-07:00

Experts are constantly creating new security systems to protect individuals and businesses from hackers. From those who want to attend popular events like the Olympics to avoiding an angry boss, hackers are preying on gullible victims to circumvent network security systems and steal sensitive information. If you don’t want to be the next victim, read about the most common social engineering scams here.

Phishing

This is the most frequently used social engineering attack, especially against small businesses. Check out these frightening statistics:

How is phishing carried out? Criminals make use of emails, phone calls, or text messages to steal money. Victims are directed to phony websites or hotlines and are […]

4 Social engineering scams to watch out for2020-09-18T15:56:06-07:00
24 Sep 2018

iPhone XS: Its pros and cons

2018-09-26T11:27:23-07:00

Nearly a year after releasing the iPhone X, Apple announced that it’ll discontinue it. Instead, they released the iPhone XS and XS Max. How do Apple’s latest smartphones stack up to their previous releases? Let’s look closely at the pros and cons of the iPhone XS.

Like most Apple smartphones, the iPhone XS is expensive, especially when compared to other smartphones. Yet its improvements aren’t as big a leap from the iPhone X that came before it.

On the inside
The main differences between the iPhone XS and its predecessor lie on the inside. With every release, Apple claims faster speeds and better performance upgrades. And this latest is no exception.

#1 A12 Bionic chipset
This is one of the most powerful chipsets of any smartphone, providing snappier responses to simple tasks like web browsing or sending messages. But the power of this faster chip is best felt when running apps and games using augmented reality (AR). AR apps still have a way to go in improving its visual […]

iPhone XS: Its pros and cons2018-09-26T11:27:23-07:00
21 Sep 2018

Quick guide to choosing a mouse

2018-09-22T12:56:49-07:00

The good ol’ two-button mouse just won’t cut it anymore. They’re unresponsive, uncomfortable, and the cord somehow ties itself up every time you put it in your bag. However, buying a new mouse can be confusing, so if you’re having difficulty picking the right one, here are some things you should keep in mind.

Cable or wireless?

Choosing between a wired or a wireless mouse is a factor you have to consider if you’re planning on purchasing a new mouse. Wireless mice are generally more comfortable since your range of movement isn’t limited by a cable and they’re usually travel friendly. However, they tend to be less responsive, which can be frustrating.

In some cases, wireless mice can also interfere with other wireless devices nearby, and most require batteries, which can create problems when they run out of juice. And, if you use the same mouse for both work and home, you run the risk of losing the tiny USB receiver for your wireless mouse when you […]

Quick guide to choosing a mouse2018-09-22T12:56:49-07:00
20 Sep 2018

4 popular web browsers

2018-09-22T12:56:31-07:00

The internet browser is a special kind of software. No two products share the same functions and features, and most of them can be downloaded at no charge. This gives you many options when it comes to selecting the ideal browser, and the myriad of choices may make it difficult to choose. Here are some of the pros and cons of the four popular web browsers.

Google Chrome
By just about any metric, Google Chrome has been the browser of choice for most internet users over the last couple years. It’s easy to use and its graphics interface has a low profile. However, if you want to customize Chrome with extensions and apps, there are more than enough options. The bottom line is: this is the best browser for users who spend a lot of time in G-Suite documents, or want the security benefits of frequent patches and updates.

Apple Safari
We might as well start off with the one, glaring drawback of Safari: It’s available only to […]

4 popular web browsers2018-09-22T12:56:31-07:00
19 Sep 2018

MyAnalytics: O365’s productivity coach

2018-09-22T12:55:48-07:00

Installing software that immediately boosts employee efficiency is any small- or medium-sized business owner’s dream. With Office 365’s dashboard, that’s exactly what you’re getting. And best of all, it’s directly integrated with your existing productivity suite. Read on to learn more.

What is MyAnalytics?

MyAnalytics apply machine learning technology to your employees’ Office 365 data. By utilizing extremely powerful computing processes to analyze huge blocks of information, MyAnalytics can uncover trends and correlations that may be too complex for human discovery.

Every day, Office 365 users create several thousand new data points across Microsoft’s productivity suite, and there’s a lot of potential to rearrange meetings, project goals, and employee tasks to increase efficiency.

The most obvious improvement is with Outlook calendar. MyAnalytics tracks how much time you’re spending with each person in your office as well as the time you’re investing in specific projects. After sufficient information has been gathered, your Office 365 dashboard will begin coaching you on how to organize meetings and project goals based […]

MyAnalytics: O365’s productivity coach2018-09-22T12:55:48-07:00
18 Sep 2018

5 great voice commands for Google Assistant

2018-09-18T12:40:22-07:00

Google Assistant is essentially the next generation of Google Now. It performs all of the same tasks as Google Now, such as scheduling events and web searching, but has a better, more conversational interface. For a crash course in some of Google’s best AI-powered voice-commands, take a look at five of our favorites.

Before you can start playing with Google’s AI, you need to turn on the service. On your Android device, press and hold the home key at the bottom of the screen. This will open the Google Assistant interface. Tap Next on the “Meet your personal Google Assistant” screen, then tap Continue on the next screen to enable permissions.

If you’re prompted to configure voice activation, simply repeat “OK Google” three times and you’re good to go! Turn it on and try some of the examples below.

Tip #1: Reminders

Google Assistant helps with information discovery, but what about when you just need a little help managing your calendar? The phrase “Remind me to [action] + […]

5 great voice commands for Google Assistant2018-09-18T12:40:22-07:00
17 Sep 2018

Google indexing: 4 tips for better results

2018-09-17T11:03:53-07:00

Whether you’re a newbie or an expert in search engine optimization (SEO), the field changes so often that it can be overwhelming. That can be pretty frustrating since businesses of any size need to get people to their sites in order to really grow in our web-driven culture. Thankfully, there are a few tried-and-true methods for improving your position in Google’s index.

Make sure you’re indexed by Google

Go to Google.com and search ‘site:’ with your website domain listed after the colon (example: ‘site:acme.com’). If you don’t see any results from your page listed, that means Google hasn’t added your site to its search results yet. Although some advisers recommend filling out a request form that Google offers, there is a much faster way to get recognized by the search giant.

Google is constantly scanning web pages for updates in content to include in their search results. When they see a link to an external site on one of their already indexed pages, Google will add that […]

Google indexing: 4 tips for better results2018-09-17T11:03:53-07:00
14 Sep 2018

5 virtualization platforms fit for SMBs

2018-09-14T09:47:15-07:00

Virtualization allows you to eliminate dependency on physical hardware limitations and software requirements. Before you choose any one virtualization solution, it’s a good idea to go over the different companies providing virtualization services. Below is a list of five popular vendors offering reliable virtualization platforms.

VMware

Any conversation about virtualization for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) usually starts around VMware. VMware is the company that really put office virtualization on everyone’s action item list. The company offers a number of different solutions for different-sized businesses with a wide variety of needs. Its ease of use and robust security features have secured its reputation as one of the best options for virtualization for SMBs.

Citrix

The average user may not recognize the company name but probably knows their popular remote access tools, GoToMyPC and GoToMeeting. Citrix has specifically geared their virtualization software XenApp, XenDesktop, and VDI-in-a-box toward SMBs and even claims that non-IT staff can easily manage and administer the services. They even provide a free trial to […]

5 virtualization platforms fit for SMBs2018-09-14T09:47:15-07:00
13 Sep 2018

Keep your callers happy by using VoIP

2018-09-14T09:48:52-07:00

If you don’t want your customers to switch to your competitors, customer satisfaction should be on top of your priority list. One sure way to keep them satisfied is by having a professional yet customer-friendly phone strategy. Something as simple as your automated on-hold messages may seem inconsequential, but when people need help, you don’t want them to feel ignored or neglected. Here are tips on designing great on-hold messages.

Hire professionals to record your on-hold message

On-hold messages are your customers’ first point of contact with your business when they need help, so your messages should be professionally recorded. You may be tempted to have an in-house production because it will initially cost less than hiring a professional voice talent and renting a studio, but in the long run, professionally recorded messages in your company’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems will be more beneficial.

Voice talents have the skills and equipment to give your phone system that professional, friendly, and pleasant feel. If […]

Keep your callers happy by using VoIP2018-09-14T09:48:52-07:00
12 Sep 2018

Master Microsoft Excel with these 3 tips

2018-09-14T10:02:59-07:00

Digital literacy is all about mastering essential computer skills like navigating search engines and word processors. But one of the most crucial you need to learn is Excel. Check out these tips to be an Excel master.

Pie and Sunburst Charts

Everyone knows that bombarding stakeholders with endless numbers and decimal points is the wrong approach. You need to compile data and develop comprehensive pie or sunburst charts to make life easier for clients and investors.

Here’s how to create a pie chart:

  1. Select your data.
  2. Click on the Recommended Charts tool to see different style chart suggestions for your data.
  3. Click on the Chart Styles, Chart Filters, or Chart Elements button in the upper-right corner of the chart to personalize its overall look or add chart elements, such as data labels or axis titles.

Steps to create a sunburst chart:

  1. Select all your data.
  2. Click Insert > Insert Hierarchy Chart > Sunburst.
  3. Go to the Design and Format tabs to tailor its overall look.

Pivot Tables

Pivot Tables might be one of the most powerful […]

Master Microsoft Excel with these 3 tips2018-09-14T10:02:59-07:00
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