Computer St. Louis Blog/News
New Windows operating system is on its way
Microsoft is reportedly working on a new, lightweight version of Windows. The operating system (OS), currently known as “Windows Lite,” is said to be Microsoft’s answer to Google’s Chrome OS. There are still plenty of unanswered questions about the OS, but here’s what we know so far. What is Windows Lite? Windows Lite is a […]
Cyberthreats and the finance sector
The financial sector has long been heavily targeted by cybercriminals. Over the years, the number of attacks that involved extortion, social engineering, and credential-stealing malware has surged rapidly. This means that financial institutions should strive to familiarize themselves with the threats and the agents behind them. Here are seven new threats and tactics, techniques, and […]
How to minimize Wi-Fi hiccups
Today, you simply can’t survive without a Wi-Fi connection. Businesses need fast, secure, and reliable internet to get work done and satisfy customers. But what about when you experience Wi-Fi issues? These fixes ought to do the trick! Range constraints Wi-Fi works via radio waves that are broadcast from a central hub, usually a piece […]
Why is HTTPS important?
Many internet users still do not understand what the padlock icon in their web browser’s address bar is for. It represents HTTPS, a security feature that authenticates websites and protects the information users submit to them. This is an important feature that lets users know whether the site they are visiting is secure or not. […]
Lessons from a disaster recovery plan audit
Why do some companies fail their disaster recovery plan (DPR) audit? Perhaps because they did not get the right information for it. They say experience is the best teacher; thus, nothing beats what you can learn from real-world case studies. See what you can learn from the following case. Hosting certain types of data and […]
Will virtual containers change IT?
As technical as virtualization and virtual containers are, there’s no reason your company shouldn’t benefit from them. IT specialists all over the country are setting up and supporting these technologies for small businesses to increase efficiency and cut down on technology costs. What are containers and why are they so popular? Virtual containers are like […]
Premise-based or cloud-hosted VoIP?
Business owners are turning to the cloud because of its numerous advantages. However, others prefer premise-based infrastructures. When it comes to VoIP phone systems, which is better for your business? Installation and maintenance On-premises VoIP phone systems are installed in your office and typically managed and maintained by your own personnel. While you can hire […]
Groups, Yammer, and Teams: What are they?
While most Office 365 apps serve a unique purpose, tools like Outlook Groups, Yammer, and Microsoft Teams can all be used for office communication and collaboration. However, there are small differences in the way they can be used. Let us break it down for you. Outlook Groups With Outlook Groups, every member gets a shared […]
Recover your privacy in Windows 10
Advertisers are able to target their consumers more effectively thanks to social media. But did you know that your operating system might also be giving away information about your online searches to advertising agencies? Learn more about Windows 10’s not-so-private settings and how these can be fixed. Turn personalized advertising off For those unaware, Windows […]
Fileless malware: Are you at risk?
Over the past few years, the security industry has been witnessing a rapid evolution in attack techniques, including fileless malware, which uses legitimate tools and services such as existing software, applications, and authorized protocols to carry out malicious activities such as unauthorized data retrieval or data damage. It therefore pays to stay abreast of such […]
Expect CPU shortages until late 2019
Consumers and businesses increasingly rely on powerful computers to run high-tech applications. But in the coming months, they may have issues obtaining the PCs they need. Since 2018, Intel has reported a processor shortage, which some experts believe may not be resolved until the latter half of 2019. Read on to learn more. Reasons for […]
The dangers of the web and how to stay safe
You probably go to great lengths to keep yourself safe, whether at home or in public. But what happens when you get online? Learn more about how you could be exposing yourself and your personal information over the internet so you can stay safe. With the headlines about data breaches and cyberattacks greeting you every […]
Tidy IT: emails, chats, and files in one app
It can be overwhelming to have several windows pulled up to manage your email, company chats, and any cloud storage that isn’t compatible with your inbox. Microsoft Teams helps streamline the basic necessities of office work to help you overcome the tedium of multitasking. The convenience of chat apps has enabled workers to cut down […]
Which social media platform is best for you?
Finding the right channel to promote one’s business is a growing challenge in the digital age, with social media acting as an indispensable business tool. The question is, what else can you do aside from updating your status? Here are five ways to help you enhance your social media marketing. Social media has helped businesses […]
The different types of virtualization
One of the biggest money-saving IT trends of the past two decades is the cloud, but due to popular demand, virtualization technology has also become an important business improvement trend in recent years. Here are a few ways virtualization is used to improve efficiency and productivity in the office. What is virtualization? By virtualizing any […]
Include VoIP phones in your recovery plan
Businesses that focus heavily on sales and customer service need a reliable, efficient, and effective telecommunications system. If their services break down even for just a day, the losses will be significant, which is why a well-crafted disaster recovery plan should include protecting the company’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony system. Invest in VoIP […]
OneNote 101: Master OneNote in no time
OneNote is a useful but underutilized app that comes with Microsoft Office. It enables you to create and share digital notebooks that contain text, audio, video, and other multimedia, taking your note-taking to another level. Discover the ins and outs of this wonderful app by reading on. Organize your digital notebook While both Microsoft Word […]
Beware of apps bundled with Windows 10
While you might think that getting free software with your new Windows 10-powered device sounds like a good idea, it’s not. Beyond taking up storage space and diverting processing power, pre-installed software such as trial versions of video games, antivirus programs, and web browser toolbars — collectively called “bloatware” — can make your device vulnerable […]
Are autocomplete passwords safe?
Advertisements and suggestions based on our internet browsing habits are sources of online tracking. However, autocomplete passwords are also another source of online tracking. This sneaky tactic comes with serious security risks. Here’s how you can stop it from targeting you. Why auto-fill passwords are so dangerous As of December 2018, there are 4.1 billion […]
Save on printing costs with these 5 tips
Managing your print infrastructure efficiently will minimize your IT budget. It sounds impossible, but it can be done. Many small and big enterprises don’t realize that they are using ineffective printing models, but you can make a difference if you follow these tips. Replace outdated printers Outdated and cheap printers may be functional, but they […]
Virtualization is different from the cloud
Virtualization and cloud computing can be confusing, especially to business owners who are not familiar with them. But when you understand their differences, you’ll be able to best take advantage of these technologies. Virtualization Imagine a company with five servers, each assigned a single task such as storage, email, etc. If there were a spike […]
How to make the most out of your CRM
Building rapport with customers has never been easier with customer relationship management (CRM) software. You can keep track of contact information, buying preferences, and sales patterns. It’s a must-have for all sales and marketing teams. If you want to know how to make the most out of your CRM, follow these tips. Always update customer […]
Why too many VMs is a bad thing
Desktop virtualization allows you to deliver computing resources to workstations in your network. Those resources are packed into virtual machines (VMs), which can be deployed as easily as any file. However, there are risks associated with trying to manage an overwhelming number of VMs. The problem with VM sprawl VM sprawl is a phenomenon that […]
Scammers deriving new ways to scam via VoIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) makes business communications simple and inexpensive. However, scammers are still finding ways to exploit VoIP, such as through “vishing scams, a new type of phishing wherein fraudsters make phone calls, pose as a business or financial partner, and request private details. The best way to prevent yourself from being scammed […]
Single Sign-On: The key to user management
Making passwords can be tedious. From complexity requirements to minimum lengths, creating a password for each new account brings its own set of headaches. If this problem is reaching a boiling point, Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions can help. These techniques are secure, easy-to-manage, and do away with the need to manage a long list of […]
Great uses for an old computer
It’s inevitable. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to replace your computer. But while it may not be as fast as when you first got it or as sleek as your new computer, your old desktop or laptop might still have a lot to offer— after upgrading it a little, that is. Here are […]
Know all about Windows 10 build 18305 for PC
Microsoft is releasing Windows 10 build 18305 with a number of major features and improvements for the Start menu, Windows Security, Task Manager, File Explorer, and the Settings app. Start menu This now has a new single-column layout with reduced top-level tiles. This layout appears when you’re creating a new account, setting up a new […]
How to manage Google reviews
Google is shaking things up yet again. Reviews from sites like Facebook and Yelp will now be displayed in search results with well-placed keywords and link-worthy content. Here’s how you can efficiently manage your business’s reviews How Google changed search results Google now automatically aggregates and includes online reviews to display in the Knowledge Panel […]
Get your network gear ready with UPS
Clever business owners utilize an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) during disasters like fires, storms, and other emergency situations. A UPS is usually set up for desktop computers to give users enough time to save their work and progress. Another useful power-saving plan for emergency situations would be to use a UPS for networking gear. UPS […]
Use virtualization to protect your devices
Cybersecurity threats are increasing for both small and large businesses, which means solutions that protect mobile devices are no longer just nice-to-have solutions. As more work is handled outside of the office, the risks to your data increase. Virtualization vendors are leading the charge to tackle these challenges with innovative solutions. Mobile device management and […]
VPNs: Why you need them
Installing antivirus software and setting strong passwords are no longer considered the bare minimum in cybersecurity. With hackers, third parties, and ISPs constantly monitoring networks and your online habits, hopping onto a virtual private network (VPN) is crucial for keeping your surfing habits private. Here’s why. What is a VPN? The best way to describe […]
Battle of the VoIPs: Hangouts or Skype?
Microsoft and Google have been competing on almost every front. Both have made huge strides in machine learning, cloud computing, and productivity software. In terms of VoIP solutions, the tech powerhouses are also neck and neck with Microsoft’s Skype for Business and Google’s Hangouts Meet. These VoIP tools have several calling and video conferencing features […]
Assess staff productivity better with Workplace Analytics
For companies using Office 365, managers have a convenient tool available for them to assess their employees’ performance. It’s called Workplace Analytics, and it uses the data culled from Office 365. Microsoft’s previous productivity tool, MyAnalytics, only allowed employees to view their own productivity data. With Workplace Analytics, both employee and manager can view the […]