After talking about the new Metro interface Windows 8 brings along with better integration through SkyDrive with cloud technology and the new Windows Store this week we are going back to basics. A great cheat sheet every new user will want to help make the transition easier! Check out these keyboard shortcuts for Windows 8:
- Windows key: display the Start menu
- Windows + tab: display the task switching panel
- Windows + C: reveal Charms
- Windows + D: show the desktop
- Windows + H: Share charm
- Windows + I: Settings
- Windows + K: Devices charm
- Windows + L: Lock the screen
- Windows + P: extend to a second monitor
- Windows + Z: display an app’s application bar
- Alt + Tab: Cycle through open apps
- Right-click an application window: reveal the application bar
Windows 8 is revamping the idea behind traditional desktop computing including a new interface familiar to tablet and smartphone users plus seamless integration with cloud technology through SkyDrive. Taking a cue from smartphones soon you will be able to purchase apps from the new Windows Store built directly into Windows 8 operating system. Review lists of top apps, staff picks and personalized recommendations based on other apps you own. Plus the ability to share apps with your Windows 8 based smartphone.
The killer application inclusion for Windows 8 tablets is Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Powerpoint. The staple software suite in any office environment is now standard with your tablet running Windows 8. Edit documents from anywhere and easily share them via SkyDrive to colleagues all over the world without having to purchase additional apps. During the consumer trial period of Windows 8 users may download and test apps from the Windows store at no cost. Once Windows 8 goes live users will have to pay for any apps they want to continue to use. The Windows Store will be the only authorized distributor for Windows 8 Metro apps.
Being able to research apps easily in the app store plus see recommendations from others can help small businesses utilize new technology to further their growth. For more information on what new technologies can benefit your small business contact us today for a free Network Health Audit. Get a snapshot of where you stand today and recommendations on how to proceed for your future.
We’ve talked about the benefits of Cloud technology for small business before and now Microsoft has integrated that into its new Windows 8 operating system. Last week we covered the new look to Windows 8 and how it flows across your different devices. This week we are focusing on the Cloud integration Windows 8 will provide through SkyDrive. While storing data and accessing applications on the cloud can expand your small businesses technology it can also be cumbersome to login to different portals to access everything. SkyDrive will allow you to access those cloud based services similar to the way you share network drives now.
Microsoft is making it easier than ever for Windows 8 users to synchronize files, music and video across their devices such as tablets, computers and smartphones. Instant secure access to that document for a client right from your smartphone or tablet when on the road without the extra steps of loading a usb drive. For those not comfortable storing everything on SkyDrive there is an option to keep it on your desktop but still be able to remotely access it with a second authentication element. Developers will be able to utilize SkyDrive in their apps to make things more personalized for the user.
Security and mobility are important factors in small business; Microsoft is working to provide both with the new Windows 8 operating system. Contact us today to talk more about cloud technology and how it can benefit your business.
It is widely expected that Microsoft will be releasing its new Windows operating system by the end of 2012. Consumers are now able to download a free trial to test out the new functions. That leaves small business owners asking one question, “What can Windows 8 do for my business?” Over the next couple weeks we are going to look at some of the new features that are going to revolutionize Windows based computers.
As the trend in technology moves towards being mobile with smartphones, laptops and more importantly tablet pc’s Microsoft is looking to unite all your devices under one operating system. They are incorporating the familiar touch tile interface from tablets onto your computer desktop in the Metro interface. These tiles can be tapped with your finger on a tablet or clicked with the mouse on your computer to go right into the application. These tiles will also update in real time showing you notifications of new emails, voicemail or social networking updates. Users more comfortable with the traditional look of the past Windows interface can revert back with just a mouse click. For users that prefer the new interface they will find it easy to use any device with the new Windows 8 interface. It will operate the same across all platforms.
Check back next week as we discuss the Cloud Integration options Windows 8 provides. Unsure what updates would be best for your small business? Contact us today for a free Network Health Audit and speak with one of our representatives about what upgrades are right for your company.
There is a secret trick in the IT world that solves a large percentage of computer issues and it is something that any user can do! It is the simple act of restarting the application or computer that is having an issue. It is usually one of the first things a helpdesk tech will ask you to do so why not give it a try before you call. Check out some other simple troubleshooting tips we’ve compiled that anyone can do.
- Check connections. Network, power and device cables frequently can become loose or disconnected during everyday use. This can lead to problems with your computer. Simply checking the cables to ensure they are tight once a week can save you a headache down the road.
- End Task. Have you ever had an application lock up but your computer still works and you can use other applications? You can try waiting to see if the program starts responding or you can End Task. Press Cntl-Alt-Del on your PC and select Task Manager, find the application that is causing the issue and choose End Task. This will force the application to close but not your entire computer.
- Write down error message. After a reboot the number two piece of advice any technician will give you is to write down the error message you are receiving. There is key information in those error messages that will assist the technician with resolving your issues quickly.
- Check with co-workers to see if they are experiencing the same issue. (ie network outage) If you cannot connect to the internet or your email and you find out the rest of your office is having the same issue then most likely the issue is not your computer but a network or server issue. Elect one person in the office to call the helpdesk to report the issue and make sure they report that the outage affects the entire office. This frees up the helpdesk to resolve the issue instead of answering hundreds of calls for the same issue.
These are just a few tips that can save you time. Looking for more tips to make your network run smoothly then contact us today for a free Network Health Audit.
When it comes to technology the upgrade game can be a constant source of stress to small business owners. The cost to keep up with the latest technology can be daunting and the amount of choices can be overwhelming. Not to mention deciding whether an upgrade is right for your needs. Here are a few tips to make those decisions easier.
- Talk to your staff. What software and hardware do they use all the time that could benefit from an upgrade? More importantly what are they no longer using?
- Multi-function devices. Instead of purchasing a fax machine, a printer and a copier all separate look into one device that does it all. Are you paying for blackberries and aircards for your employees to have access on the road? Look into adding tethering to their blackberry devices and drop the aircards. Your employees will still have the benefits of both devices in one for less cost.
- Laptops. Instead of having desktops at the office and laptops for travel cut costs by just having laptops. This can also keep employees working from home in case of emergency.
- Outsource. Consider bringing in a consultant or IT company to review your current setup and recommend areas to upgrade. They are up to date on the latest in technology and can show you ways to increase productivity while saving money.
We can help you review your current network and arm you with the knowledge necessary to make smart decision for your business. Contact us today for a free Network Health Audit.
A hacker is defined as a person who uses computers to gain unauthorized access to data. This can include spam, spyware and computer viruses to name a few. So how can you and your employees protect your company data from a hacker? Here are a few tips to stay secure.
- Make sure your antivirus and anti-spyware software is up to date. This will help protect your computers and network from attacks through websites and suspicious email links.
- Install firewall software on all client computers. Firewalls are very good at blocking Trojan Horse viruses that can connect back to the internet and transfer files off your computer.
- Keep your software and operating system up to date, make sure to install all necessary security patches. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to target vulnerabilities. Software companies have to work equally as hard to identify those weaknesses and create patches to fix them. By not updating your software you are leaving those vulnerabilities open for hackers to exploit.
- Install an email spam filter if your email software does not have effective blocking functionality. A common way for hackers to gain access is through phishing scam emails. These emails usually include a false link intended to capture your password or install malware on your system. Spam filters identify these emails and disable the links to protect users.
Not sure if your business is following these tips? Contact us today for a free Network Health Audit. We can identify any security weaknesses or concerns and put you on the path to protecting your company data.
Cloud technology was once reserved for large scale corporations with multiple campuses to allow employees around the world to collaborate more efficiently. Today cloud technology can be found in the average smartphone with ability to save photos to be accessed anywhere at any time from the cloud. So what is cloud technology? Simply put it is the ability to access data and apps through the Internet. In the past you might have purchased a large server to store things like company projects or corporate email programs on. You needed an IT tech to keep the server updated and running and to troubleshoot any issues. Every couple years you needed to upgrade the server to keep up with your business demands. It could become very costly especially for small business. As we talked about last week small businesses are smart to look into outsourcing to reduce costs and overhead. Cloud technology is a form of outsourcing. Now for a low cost you can have the latest technology such as Microsoft SharePoint or Exchange available to you without the hassle of upkeep and maintenance. The dream of being able to access email, data and collaborate with coworkers from anywhere in the world is a reality. Imagine not having to worry about equipment failure or loss because you know your company data is safe and secure on the cloud instead of your laptop hard drive. Cloud technology provides peace of mind along with the ability to utilize the latest advances in software and business tools.
Curious to learn how cloud technology can help your business? Contact us today for a live demonstration!
Many small businesses struggle to grow because they are overwhelmed. Managing the day to day aspects of the business can be overwhelming especially when you are wearing many hats such as HR. legal, accounting and IT to name a few. The dream of getting out from behind a desk has backfired and they find themselves buried under even more roles and responsibilities. Keeping the business running is taking time away from growing the business. They might be thinking they need to hire more employees to take over these tasks but then worry about the cost of added personnel. For many small business owners this sounds all too familiar and they find themselves drowning just trying to keep up.
Microsoft Business recommends identifying the core mission of your business and then consider outsourcing the other operations that are not as strategic.
The New York Times listed seven benefits to outsourcing for small businesses. Review their article for more details.
- Control capital costs
- Increase efficiency
- Reduce labor costs
- Start new projects quickly
- Focus on your core business
- Level the playing field
- Reduce risk
Think of outsourcing as hiring a team of experts for different areas of your business. Now you no longer need to know what the latest computer virus is and how to protect your network. We offer several options for small businesses to outsource some or all of their IT needs including Managed Services, Web Services, Flat Rate IT Services, Vendor Management and Professional Services. Whether you are just looking for someone to call when your computer breaks or would like a complete solution with a dedicated virtual CIO we can help. Let us take care of your IT department so you can focus on what your small business is really about.
Not sure where to start? Contact us today for your free Business Technology Assessment.
MFPs and Large Format Printing solutions are still one area where I think IT needs to progress. I guess its a bit of a legacy to have to sue paper at all and maybe that’s why its progression is so slow. There will always be a market for paper printing especially when dealing with architects and engineering. But I for one will welcome the day where almost everything is done and rendered across the network and on devices. Save the Trees!
