Archives

After years of waiting, Windows 10 finally hit the shelves in late July this year and caused many to rethink their current operating system situation. Hard as it may be to turn down new and exciting improvements to the existing Windows platform, upgrading to a new operating system as soon as it’s available isn’t always the greatest idea. Windows 10 is a free upgrade for current Windows users but don’t let price become the only deciding factor.

First and foremost, Windows 7 and Windows 8 have been great operating systems and for many out there they currently still provide the best solution to their needs. From a business standpoint, if a product isn’t broken then there is no reason to replace it unless it provides a critical new feature that is necessary. Windows 7, similar to the long living Windows XP, is a business standard platform and is still the number one operating system across vast amounts companies and with Microsoft’s excellent support system, older operating systems allow for an even greater amount of users. In conjunction with Microsoft’s support, a majority of third party developers will always have drivers for Windows 7 or 8 systems whereas support for Windows 10 drivers may be limited.

The biggest reason for not upgrading to Windows 10 is that it is much more of task than people think. For example on the corporate level, the logistics of installing a new operating system across the entire network is an IT nightmare and can cause days or weeks of lost time because the install interfaces with so many different applications. Specific industries that rely completely on time based sales or operations can lose large amounts revenue because they spent a week installing a new operating system. For this reason alone, Windows 10 isn’t not worth the trouble until it starts to become more prevalent in business environments.

Resisting the urge to upgrade to newest, shiny software can be a hard decision but in the long run staying with older operating systems may prove to be a better decision. Windows 10 does have great features and for many is wonderful upgrade to the personal computers but for most in the business world upgrading to Windows 10 can potentially cause more harm than good.

So as

 

 
Congratulations to our Christian Kortenhorst for getting through to the next round of Irelands Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE).
We are very happy that he will go on to the 2 day mandatory residential intensive bootcamp in Druids Glen Resort, Co. Wicklow on Sunday 27th & Monday 28th September 2015.

Want to know how AVG became as big as it has? It’s simple. They offer great services like Antivirus, and now the malware feature, all for free. That’s right. They do it all for free. This is how they invite you in. Once a customer is using their free stuff, they get you on the hook with their premium services. This is the stuff that actually costs something. This is how they have built their small empire.
There are two main reasons why AVG has done their business this way. For one, they say that most people don’t want to spend money on these tools. For the most part they would be right. Most people don’t like to spend money. If they can get something for free, they will. The other reason is who these tools are geared towards. Many claim that the tools out on the market are only for those who are established. The ones who have big businesses. This is also a claim that is true, for the most part. There are many who feel that their needs are getting left in the dark.
This is why AVG developed the system and the tools it has. It wants to appeal to those who are sort of like the underdog. Can’t say that they have been wrong. Look at how much money they have made because of it and the customers they have attracted.
Is AVG cloudcare the first thing that clients look at for their business? No, it’s not. At the end of the day, it appeals to many and seems the most suitable. It’s like a book with the a dirty cover. The outside might not be too appealing, but underneath is where all the goods are hiding.
There is actually a new channel that is out for AVG cloud users. This channel has a lot of appealing tools too. The IT tool allows businesses to see their impact. It allows them to see when a client needs them. It allows a business to see when their space has reached limited capacity. This means they need to allow for additional clients. This is a good thing. It’s good for content. It allows for virus detection.
There is an increase with Linux and OSX users. AVG is well aware of this. They are currently looking into these platforms. For those that have the more premium offerings, there are two options available. Due to non-licensing and no limits customers can do the pay-as-you-go or the annual thing.
AVG cloudcare is becoming a very relevant thing these days and it’s growing stronger every day. For more information on their services visit them on the web.

Windows 10 is the newest and last release of the Microsoft’s operating system, it will be released this summer. The company has learned from it’s past mistakes when customers were apprehensive about upgrading previous versions of Windows. The current plan is to have automatic updates, leaving all the technical work to the professionals.
The Windows saga almost plays out like a spy novel, including it’s long list of codenames. From 3.1’s Sparta to NT’s Wolfpack and the newest moniker for 10 being Threshold. There is a logical explanation, some names have a relationship to where they were developed or shipped from and others are references to Xbox games. Aside from techie’s, most consumers are never aware of these pre-release references.

There will be seven versions of Windows 10, which will be run by Windows server 2016. The first version, Home, is aimed at the everyday user of PC’s and tablets and comes with fingerprint and face recognition software. Education has been made specifically for use in schools and will include the ability to obtain mass licensing. Next, is Mobile, specifically for use with touch screens like smartphones and tablets.
Business versions such as Mobile Enterprise, will be equipped with stronger security measures and mobile device management. Additional options include, loT, which will be implemented into ATM’s. Pro is aimed at small businesses, but includes the same security measures of the Mobile Enterprise.
Common features on all seven of upgrades will include, a tiled interface, a color change in emojis to gray and providing customers’ remote capabilities to install features on all their devices. The new start menu will be a blast from the past for loyal users, as it is almost identical to the original. Gone is that confusing flip-switch view, Microsoft has decided to stick with the tried and true task bar. One of the best features is the new age ability to use keyboard shortcuts in the command bar.
 

Now, how much will all this new technology cost, it’s actually free for the first year to current Windows 7 and 8.1 users. For those who find it impossible to wait until summer, you can try Windows 10 now for free. Simply log into your Microsoft account and choose from a download for your PC or smartphone. You will have the ability to choose from 111 languages and gain access from 190 countries.

Today in business one of the most important tools a person has is a laptop. A laptop has replaced traditional paper and pens because it makes more business sense. However just like laptop use is on the rise, so is laptop theft. As we all know when it comes to business when a laptop is stolen, it is not only about the hardware but also about the information stored on the laptop.
For a lot of businesses there is highly sensitive information stored on laptops which could affect their customer base. Preventing laptop theft is vital, so how can people be mindful to protect their laptops.
First and foremost if your company will allow you to take your laptop with you when you leave that is one way to make sure that your laptop is secure. Now if you do take your laptop with you never leave it in an unlocked vehicle. One thing you can do is lock your laptop up in your trunk or carry it in a bag with you.
If you have to leave your laptop at work lock it up in a desk drawer or use something like a bicycle lock with a cable and secure it on the desk. Now if you do have to travel for your job for training and meetings be careful where you leave your laptop.
For example if you are in a meeting and you have to leave a meeting do not leave your laptop unattended. Yes most people in a meeting are trustworthy but you have to always err on the side of securing your laptop. Now if you have to fly always keep in mind that you will have to place your laptop through security.
Always keep your eye on the laptop as it goes through the x-ray machine and make sure you see where it comes out on the other side. If you don’t some-one other then you may pick up your laptop and walk away with it. For most business people their laptop is their lifeline so you have to do everything you can to protect it.

The new Apple iPhone 6 plus is the most drastic upgrade to the iPhone series yet, and it may not be for everyone. While many think bigger is better, this might not always be the case, though it does have its perks.

After being in the technical industry for over thirty years it takes something fairly unique to pique my attention. The Cryptolocker virus is in fact that type of program. In a nutshell it takes all of your files and over a period of days, weeks, and or months turns your most used and precious data into a conglomeration of unusable junk. In conjunction with that the method for recovery from the virus is ingenious at best, and diabolical at worst. The following is the method of transmission, assimilation, and recovering from the Cryptolocker virus.
Infection
The virus is introduced through an infected attachment in an email. Disguised in the email it immediately propagates the bot and begins its malicious attack on your data. In addition websites can introduce the malware through the use of an advertisement click through that again places the bot on your computer and the process begins.
Virus Process
The virus makes its way through your file system by targeting specific file types in order to achieve maximum damage. Files such as spread sheets, documents, and text files are attacked first and encrypted. If the virus remains undetected then pictures, music, and video are destroyed. The virus starts at older dated files and then continues up the chain until more recently used files are encrypted and then the virus exposes itself.
Remedy
Once your data has been encrypted a covert server will send a message asking for a sum of money to decrypt the data. It is at this time that a mistake is usually made. Most users will run a virus scanner and remove the virus from the computer. This is a grave error as the key to decrypt the data is embedded in the virus executable file. Since the key has been deleted there is no method for decrypting the data including brute force methods. There is only one method for getting your data back and that is to pay the 300 to 400 dollars using the Bitcoin path of money transfer. It is estimated that over 25 million dollars has been extorted from those who have gotten the virus.
In the final analysis, and looking from a strictly objective point of view, Cryptolocker in its delivery method as well as it execution and ultimate payment process offers a well planned and executed criminal enterprise that no one was ever brought to trial for. Many of the servers were finally brought down and that in itself presented a problem for those who caught the virus and tried to pay. There was no server to complete the transaction and therefore the data remained lost.
There is no real method for preventing the payload being delivered to your computer. Only good judgment and making sure that every website, and every email you open is carefully evaluated before proceeding.

Protect Your Business
Every business can be protected with cyber security. A business should be fast and secure. Every email and all online connections can be safe and offer privacy. A business does not need to be delayed due to a virus. Every virus has the ability to cause many problems for a business. This problems will cost money in the long run. There is affordable protection that is available. Anti virus protection can fit into any business budget. This is an excellent starting point. There is much more cyber security protection that is available for each and every business. Offer yourself and your business some peace of mind by investing in cyber security.
Business Options
Every business has many options in regards to cyber security. There are some exceptional managed services that a business may pursue in order to protect every IT area. The business security options can increase the confidence in the fact that the business devices and all the data is highly protected and that is at top working efficiency. The confidence will come because every business risk is reduces with security. The solutions that are offered include:
*Email security
*Content filtering
*Remote monitoring and management
These are only a sample of what a managed service can provide to any business. These solutions will leave a business more to actually conduct the business while knowing that every aspect of their cyber security is enforced.
Cyber Security Advice for Business
There is some good and sound business advice that can benefit any business. The following tips can be helpful for a business. A small company can apply this advice and make a difference in their security.
*Teach employees security principals; Every company can have a set of security policies and principals available for their employees.
*Protect computers, information, and networks from cyber attacks; Keep clean machines and have the latest security software in place.
*Keep backup copies of all business data; Do this on a regular basis. Twice weekly or weekly.
*Maintain control of physical access to computers; This would be preventing unauthorized individuals from getting into them. Separate user accounts are helpful.
This is just a small amount of advice that will offer a business cyber security.
The Powerful Features
Cyber Security does offer some powerful features that will only benefit any business. The many features will keep all business communication secure and safe.