Simple speed hacks to boost your Chrome browser
Google Chrome is the go-to browser for many users because of its user-friendly interface and robust features. However, some users have reported that Chrome can be slow and unresponsive, making it frustrating to use at times. If you’ve experienced such issues, don’t worry, as there are several speed hacks that can help you speed up Chrome’s performance. Disable unused extensions Extensions are third-party software that can add features to your browser. However, many extensions require huge amounts of resources which can slow down your browser. If you have many extensions installed, try disabling the ones you don’t use frequently. These steps will guide you on how to disable Chrome extensions. Click on the ellipsis or kebab menu, the three dots on the upper-right corner of the browser. Go to More tools > Extensions. From there, you can disable any extensions you don’t need. Clear browsing data Clearing your browsing data can also speed up Chrome. Browsing data includes your browsing history, cache, cookies, and other temporary files that can accumulate over time. Clearing these files can free up space and improve your browser’s performance. To clear your browsing data, just follow these steps. Click on the ellipsis or kebab menu. Go to More tools > Clear browsing data. From there, you can select the time range you want to clear and the types of data you want to delete. Use Chrome’s built-in task manager Google Chrome comes with a task manager that enables you to determine which tabs or extensions are consuming the greatest amount of resources. The task manager can be accessed by following the steps below. Click on the ellipsis or kebab menu. Go to More Tools > Task Manager. On the Task Manager page, you can see which tabs or extensions are consuming the most CPU, memory, and network resources and close them. Disable hardware acceleration Hardware acceleration is a feature that uses your computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate the rendering of web pages. While this feature can improve performance, it can also cause Chrome to use more resources and therefore slow down. To disable hardware acceleration, follow the steps below. Click on the ellipsis or kebab menu. Go to Settings > Advanced > System. Here, you can toggle off the hardware acceleration feature. Update Chrome Make sure your Chrome browser is always updated. Chrome updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements, so keeping your browser up to date can help improve its speed and stability. You can check if you have the latest version of Chrome by following these steps. Click on the ellipsis or kebab menu. Go to Settings > About Chrome. Google Chrome will automatically search for updates and download them if they are available. These speed hacks can help you optimize your Chrome browser and improve its performance, however, it’s important to note that some other factors can also affect Chrome’s performance, such as your internet speed and computer specifications. If you continue to experience issues with your browser’s performance, call our tech experts today.
How to enhance your company’s BYOD security
Bring your own device (BYOD) is a trend that has grown in popularity because of the convenience it offers employees, but it also presents a serious security risk. If an employee’s personal device is not appropriately secured, it can become a potential entry point for attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate information. Therefore, it is imperative to take steps to strengthen BYOD security. Here’s how you can do just that. Establish a BYOD policy The first step in securing personal devices used for work is to establish a clear BYOD policy. This policy should include guidelines for acceptable use of personal devices and security protocols such as device encryption, password policies, and data backup requirements. It should also define the types of data that can be accessed on personal devices and the consequences of policy violations. Use mobile device management (MDM) software MDM software allows companies to manage mobile devices from a centralized console. It provides administrators with control over the configuration, application installation, and security settings of mobile devices. With MDM software, administrators can establish company-wide security policies as well as monitor and wipe data from compromised devices. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires users to provide two forms of identification to access company data. This typically includes a combination of passwords and one-time verification codes generated by a third-party authenticator app. By implementing 2FA, the security of a device doesn’t solely depend on the strength of its user’s passwords. Hackers will need to gain access to both authentication factors to hack company devices, which can be incredibly difficult. Conduct regular security training Educating employees on security best practices is crucial for any organization. Employees need to be aware of the risks associated with using personal devices for work-related tasks. Companies should conduct regular security training sessions to help employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining the security of company data. Monitor and enforce compliance It’s essential to monitor the use of personal devices and ensure compliance with the company’s BYOD policy. This can be done through regular audits, periodic security assessments, and the use of security tools to detect unauthorized access attempts. Establishing a robust security framework for BYOD is essential for any organization. Companies can work with a managed service provider to ensure that their BYOD security measures are up to date and effective. Call us today and let us help you strengthen your BYOD security.
Here’s how to fix the most common VoIP issues
A piece of technology that claims to cut your expenses in half may seem too good to be true, and often, it is. But this isn’t the case with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Its promise of significantly reducing phone expenses is real and well-documented. However, VoIP systems aren’t perfect, and you’re bound to experience some issues while using this technology. Fortunately, most of them are easy to fix and prevent. Jitter Jittery or crackly audio on VoIP calls may be caused by electromagnetic interference, damaged equipment, or insufficient bandwidth. Here are some solutions to fix this. Check VoIP phones and cables for any signs of damage. Keep your VoIP equipment at a safe distance from each other to prevent electromagnetic interference. Conduct a bandwidth speed test to ensure optimal network performance. Dropped calls Do your phone calls suddenly disconnect after 11 minutes? This could be due to outdated firmware or a user datagram protocol (UDP) timeout. Luckily, there are ways to solve these problems. Ensure that your phones have the latest firmware updates. Adjust your router settings to prevent UDP timeouts, or switch to Transmission Control Protocol. Echoes and audio delays Experiencing echoes or audio delays during phone calls or video conferences is a widespread problem that can be caused by network latency, headset lag, device issues, or other factors. Don’t fret, the following tips can help. Ensure that your device is correctly plugged in and updated with the latest software. Unplug your phone and reconnect it again. This will clear any buffers and allow your phone to re-sync with your internet connection. Consider switching to a corded headset instead of a Bluetooth one. Bluetooth headsets tend to lag, which can result in audio delays. Ensure that you have enough internet bandwidth for smooth communication. No sound Having trouble hearing the person on the other end of your phone calls? Your firewall may be blocking the transmission of Real-Time Transport Protocol packets. To solve this, you’ll need to open up some ports on your firewall. Unable to make calls If you can’t make calls from your VoIP phone or see a big X on the screen, it’s possible that you’re using two routers and they’re dropping important data packets. This is typically caused by your network setup. To resolve the issue, disable Session Initiation Protocol Application-Level Gateway on your router and confirm that you’re not using two routers. You could also connect your VoIP phones to a virtual local area network for a quick fix. Calls sent to voicemail If your VoIP phones aren’t ringing, it may be because calls are being sent to voicemail. Check that your phone isn’t in Do Not Disturb mode and confirm that your VoIP phones are still registered with your provider. For guidance on installing a new VoIP system or repairing your existing one, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We offer expert consultation, support, and service to help your business reap the benefits of VoIP’s cost savings and capabilities.
Cloud ERP: Streamlining your business operations in the digital age
The cloud has revolutionized the world of enterprise resource planning (ERP), enabling companies to access their ERP software and data from any location with an internet connection. This has made it possible for businesses of all sizes to leverage advanced ERP capabilities and features without requiring on-site hardware or IT resources. So, what exactly is cloud-based ERP, and why would an organization consider adopting it? What is cloud-based ERP? Cloud-based ERP is a type of software that allows businesses to manage their operations, resources, and data through a centralized system that is hosted and managed by a third-party provider, who is responsible for maintaining the hardware, security, and upgrades of the system. This system is accessible over the internet, enabling users to access their ERP software and data from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in on-premises hardware and IT resources to manage their ERP system, which can lead to significant cost savings. What are the benefits of cloud-based ERP? Cloud-based ERP systems offer a range of benefits, such as: Cost savingsCloud-based ERP systems typically require less upfront investment in hardware and IT resources, reducing the total cost of ownership. This allows businesses to reallocate resources toward other critical areas of their operations. ScalabilityCloud-based ERP systems can quickly scale up or down as the business grows or changes, making it easier to accommodate evolving business needs. The ability to add or remove users, features, and functionalities can be done quickly and easily, ensuring that the system stays aligned with business goals. FlexibilityCloud-based ERP systems provide greater flexibility in terms of access and integration with other systems. Users can access the system from anywhere with an internet connection, and the system can be integrated with other cloud-based or on-premises systems as needed. Enhanced securityTypically, cloud-based ERP providers have more robust security measures in place than many businesses could afford on their own. This includes regular backups, disaster recovery plans, and advanced encryption methods to protect sensitive data from natural disasters, cyberattacks, and human error. Real-time dataCloud-based ERP systems provide real-time access to data, such as inventory levels and order status to financial metrics and customer behavior. This allows businesses to make more informed decisions quickly. Improved collaborationInvesting in a cloud-based ERP system can help improve collaboration and communication between different departments and locations. Users can access the same information from anywhere in real time, reducing the need for manual data entry and the risk of errors. If you are thinking about implementing a cloud-based ERP system, but are unsure of where to begin, give us a call today. Our experts can assist you in finding the most suitable solution for your requirements.
Protect your business with a disaster recovery plan
No organization wants to experience the nightmare of losing valuable customer data, financial records, or confidential documents. Unfortunately, unless proper steps are taken to safeguard your business from these disasters, you may be unknowingly putting your data at risk of getting lost or compromised. Taking proactive measures and creating an effective disaster recovery plan (DRP) can make all the difference when it comes to defending your business from data disasters. Here’s how to create a DRP that works. A DRP is a documented set of processes and strategies that an organization puts in place to be able to recover and restore its critical data and systems in case of a disaster or an unexpected event. The plan outlines the steps to be taken before, during, and after a disaster to minimize the impacts on the organization’s operations and ensure business continuity. To create an effective DRP, follow these steps: Conduct a risk assessment A risk assessment is a critical component of any DRP, as it helps identify potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks that could impact an organization’s operations in the event of a disaster. By conducting a risk assessment, you can identify and prioritize the risks your organization faces and develop appropriate strategies and actions to mitigate those risks. Develop a recovery strategy Design a strategy to address each risk identified in the assessment phase. This could include developing backups of data or systems, investing in cloud-based services, using redundant hardware, or establishing alternative physical locations for your business operations. Establish availability requirements Availability refers to the ability of an organization’s systems, applications, and data to be accessible and functional in the event of a disaster or an outage. To determine your company’s availability requirements, identify the resources (e.g., servers, databases, etc.) and services (email, customer service) that are critical for your business operations and determine how quickly they need to be restored following an incident. Set up backups Select the most appropriate backup strategy (i.e., full or incremental) for your needs and devise the best plan for storing your backups safely off site so that you can access them when needed. Without backups, important data and information can be lost permanently, resulting in significant financial and reputational damage to your organization. Backups are also used to restore systems and data to a state before the disaster occurred, helping ensure business continuity while minimizing the impact of the disaster on your business operations. Test your plan Test your DRP periodically to make sure it will work as planned when an incident occurs. A DRP is only useful if it can be executed properly, and testing helps identify and address any gaps in the plan. Testing a DRP also provides an opportunity to identify weaknesses that could be improved or procedures that need adjustments. It allows you to verify that the plan is complete, up to date, and relevant. Train your employees Your employees are often your first line of defense when a disaster strikes, and their actions can significantly affect the outcome of a recovery effort. Training employees on the DRP helps ensure they understand exactly what they need to do during an emergency. It also provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their duties effectively, minimizing the risk of errors or delays in the recovery process. Are you concerned about data safety? Don’t leave it to chance — call us for all your DRP needs! With our cutting-edge technology, dedicated team, and industry-leading expertise, you can rest assured that your data and systems are in expert hands.
Does password autofill make hacking easier?
Password autofill is undeniably convenient, but do you know the dangers of using this common browser feature? Here’s what you should be aware of when using it and how to secure yourself from potential cyberattacks through this feature. The risks of password autofill Password autofill is a convenient feature found in most browsers and password managers. This feature allows users to automatically fill out login credentials on websites and applications. While it may seem like a time-saver, it’s crucial to be cautious when utilizing this feature. Hackers can easily gain access to saved passwords and personal information stored in autofill, leaving users vulnerable to identity theft and other forms of cyberattacks. All they have to do is sneakily place an invisible form on a compromised webpage. When your browser or password manager automatically fills in your login details, then it’s game over for you and hackers win. Autofill also tracks users Did you know that the password autofill feature could be used to track your online activity? Irresponsible digital marketers can exploit this tool to keep tabs on your behavior. Similar to how hackers do it, they place hidden autofill forms on their websites and use them to collect your information without your consent, which they then sell to advertisers. While some may claim they’re not after your passwords, there’s still a chance that your sensitive data could be compromised. How to protect yourself When it comes to keeping your online accounts secure, you might want to turn off password autofill. This quick solution can help protect your personal information from prying eyes. Here’s how you can disable this feature on different browsers: Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings and click Profiles. From here, select Passwords and disable Offer to save passwords. Google Chrome: Head to the Settings window and select Autofill. Disable Offer to save passwords and Auto Sign-in. Firefox: Click Passwords from the browser’s menu. Click Options from the logins menu, which will lead you to the “Privacy & Security” panel. Under the “Logins and Passwords” section, uncheck Autofill logins and passwords. Safari: Open Preferences and select the “Auto-fill” tab to turn off any autofill options related to usernames and passwords. Being proactive and implementing more robust security strategies helps protect your personal data from malicious actors. Reach out to our cybersecurity experts for more information on staying safe online.
5 Tips to boost your desktop productivity
Working on a computer all day can be tedious and tiring. And doing the same things over and over again can affect your morale, which, in turn, can impact your productivity. Here are five essential tips for PC users that can help boost your productivity in the workplace. Keep tabs on your productivity level Say goodbye to aimless browsing on social media and welcome a more efficient workday. Start by keeping track of your daily activity with apps such as RescueTime. This handy Chrome extension will show you how much time you spend on different websites and provide you with a productivity rating. By identifying where you’re spending too much time, you can make changes to better manage your day. Follow through with your to-do lists Digital to-do lists such as Google Tasks and Trello can help you tackle big projects by breaking them down into smaller, easier-to-manage tasks. With features like deadline setting and clear instructions, you’ll find getting things done a breeze. And the best part? The satisfaction of crossing items off your list and seeing your progress in real time. Remove clutter and distractions By removing outdated files, uninstalling unused or outdated programs, and categorizing documents into appropriately labeled folders, you can reduce distractions and enhance your productivity. This also simplifies the process of locating files and boosts your computer’s performance. You can also declutter your email inbox with features such as Priority Inbox in Gmail or Clutter in Outlook to weed out unimportant messages and keep your inbox free of spam. Restrict time-wasting websites Scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be a slippery slope, taking up precious hours of productivity. But you can easily take control by either blocking access with URL filters or using browser extensions such as StayFocusd or Strict Workflow that limit your time on non-work-related sites. Avoiding these distractions can help you make the most out of your workday. Maximize keyboard shortcuts Using keyboard shortcuts simplifies and speeds up the execution of tasks that would typically require a mouse. While there are over a hundred helpful shortcuts, the following are the most frequently used: Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + X: copy, paste, and cut selected items Ctrl + Z: undo an action Alt + Tab: toggle between open applications Alt + F4: exit the active application For more keyboard shortcuts for Windows, refer to this updated list of advanced shortcuts. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different productivity hacks until you find the one that works best for you. If you need help taking your productivity even further, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can give you detailed insights into how we can make sure that you efficiently and effectively reach greater heights.
The Importance of VoIP Quality of Service for business communication
Quality of Service (QoS) is crucial when selecting a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider, as you may experience call quality issues even with a strong internet connection. These problems can be costly and time-consuming to resolve, potentially requiring the temporary shutdown of your communication system. Implementing a reliable VoIP QoS network can assist you in avoiding such difficulties. This article will cover the basics of QoS, its setup, and the most important best practices to follow. What is VoIP Quality of Service? VoIP QoS involves the prioritization of network traffic flowing through your router to deliver a satisfactory or even exceptional level of service to end users. By monitoring VoIP QoS, you can improve business productivity and also ensure enhanced quality of communication with your clients. Why is QoS important? VoIP calls are susceptible to various issues such as jitter, latency, and packet loss, which can result in poor audio quality, network congestion, distorted audio, dropped calls, and more. This can be a significant problem for any business, as it can disrupt your team’s ability to provide vital services such as: Sales calls Customer support Client and lead generation Meetings with clients Remote team collaboration VoIP QoS allows you to address these issues, ensuring that your VoIP system is always performing at optimum levels. How to configure VoIP QoS When configuring QoS for VoIP, you should take into account the following: Prioritize network traffic based on type, not devicePrioritizing network traffic based on type prevents any one device from monopolizing the available bandwidth. The nature of the traffic should determine its queuing. However, if this is not feasible, an effective alternative is to use bandwidth management for each networked device. Assign high priority to traffic with a DSCP value of 46Numerous VoIP devices promote the categorization of network traffic using a differentiated services code point (DSCP) header. This header specifies that packets with high priority should be given preference. If possible, configure both inbound and outbound real-time transport protocol packets with DSCP 46 to ensure that they are given high priority. Set up Trust Mode with Strict Priority if availableWith Trust Mode, switches can identify different DSCP packets, while Strict Priority ensures that these packets are not given the same weight as other devices. Even if your router does not have such advanced VoIP QoS capabilities, most routers have at least some form of it. After applying these settings and restarting your routers, you should notice reduced latency and more dedicated, consistent bandwidth during VoIP calls. VoIP QoS best practices To ensure your VoIP system is running smoothly and calls are uninterrupted, here are some best practices to follow. Test your internet connection regularly to ensure it has enough bandwidth to handle call traffic. Use Category 6 certified Ethernet cables to ensure low latency and high data transfer. Check your network regularly for latency, ping, jitter, and other factors that can cause congestion. Regardless of whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, we can assist you in building a resilient phone system with superior call quality and dependability. If you want to learn more about the different VoIP solutions, call our experts today.
Making smarter strategic decisions with Power BI
Making the right business strategies relies heavily on data analysis and timely insights. With Microsoft Power BI, businesses can access vast amounts of relevant data quickly and easily, turning it into actionable information to support their decision-making processes. In this article, we’ll explore how Power BI can help businesses make data-driven decisions. Data integration Power BI allows organizations to connect to various data sources, such as databases, spreadsheets, cloud-based services, and APIs, to consolidate and transform data into a unified view. This enables businesses to have a holistic view of their data and make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information. Data modeling To make sense of large amounts of data, you need to have the ability to create data models. Power BI lets you build custom data models from scratch or use templates to quickly get started. With its drag-and-drop interface, you can rapidly create powerful data models, define relationships between spreadsheets, and customize calculating using a wide range of preset formulas. This enables businesses to gain deeper insights from their data and uncover patterns and trends that may not be apparent initially. Interactive visualizations When it comes to identifying trends and patterns, Power BI’s interactive visualizations provide the perfect tool for the job. This feature allows you to quickly create sophisticated visualizations such as bar charts, line charts, pie charts, maps, and more. From there, you can easily interact with your data and drill down into details to gain a better understanding of the underlying trends. You can even customize visualizations to track the metrics that matter most to your business. AI-powered insights The great thing about Power BI is that it’s not just a data visualization tool. It also leverages artificial intelligence to predict future trends and outcomes. This means businesses can use Power BI to make intelligent projections and forecasts that will help them make better decisions down the road. For instance, Power BI can provide realistic cash flow projections throughout the year based on historical data, allowing companies to make smarter budgeting decisions. Collaborative reporting Power BI enables businesses to create and share interactive reports and dashboards with their team and other stakeholders. This promotes collaboration and allows for real-time data analysis and decision-making. Users can also set up alerts and notifications to receive updates on key metrics or changes in data, ensuring that decision-makers are always informed and can take prompt action when needed. Power BI can be an invaluable tool for businesses that are looking to carve out a competitive advantage. If you want to elevate your decision-making process, Power BI may be just the right tool for you. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you make the most of Power BI and its features.
Protect your business with these secure web browsers
One of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to business networks is through unsecured web browsers. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in these browsers to launch an attack on your systems. To ensure the safety of your business, use one of these secure browsers. Brave Brave has been gaining traction in recent years. It enables users to browse the web safely and efficiently, using faster boot times and improved security features. It also includes integrated support for popular services like YouTube, Netflix, and Twitch, making it easier than ever to access content without having to worry about malicious ads or popups. Additionally, Brave boasts a series of custom privacy settings to ensure that all user data is secure and online transactions remain private. Epic What sets Epic browser apart from other browsers is its commitment to user security and privacy. Unlike some other browsers that offer no more than basic encryption protocols and cookie deletion features, Epic uses end-to-end encryption and blocks almost all trackers for total privacy. In addition, to protect users’ personal information, Epic does not allow advertising cookies or store any data about browsing history. And by utilizing a trusted virtual private network (VPN) and Epic’s advanced features, you can protect your online identity from those pesky IP-leaking calls. Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox is one of the most secure browser options available today, thanks to its strong security features and constant updates. Firefox has both a standard sandbox approach, which limits the amount of direct access any website or software can gain, and an advanced sandbox for more sensitive information. As a result, malicious sites are blocked before they can affect users’ systems. Furthermore, Firefox regularly runs automatic background updates to ensure that users have the latest security patches applied quickly. All of these factors work together to make Firefox one of the safest browser options available. In addition, Firefox offers various security options to keep you protected. With anti-fingerprinting, improved tracking protection, data breach notifications, and 256-bit encryption, you can configure your level of protection to ensure maximum safety. Tor Browser Tor Browser was developed with the revolutionary onion routing technique. This technology allows Tor to shield you from browser fingerprinting and keep your identity hidden. This can be incredibly useful for situations such as accessing government documents or visiting restricted websites. Tor also has built-in features that allow users to customize their browsing experience even further, such as disabling javascripts and other tracking technology used by sites. Tor is so secure that it’s the only browser that can access the dark web. It’s no wonder that computer expert and intelligence consultant, Edward Snowden, gives it his seal of approval. If you need assistance in finding the right browser for your business, contact us today. Our tech and security experts will help you find the best web browser and security solution that fit your needs.