3 Excel level-up tips
Microsoft Excel’s new features now make it easier than ever to process data and present information visually. Help yourself to our three useful tips now.
How AI can boost your eCommerce business
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming an integral part of doing business. Experts predict that AI will be involved in as much as 85% of all customer interactions with a business in 2020. In fact, many eCommerce businesses today are already using AI to interact with and provide better service to their customers. Read on to find out how. Predicting what your customers want AI has many uses in eCommerce, benefiting both the business and the customers. For instance, machine learning, a subset of AI, can be used to identify customer habits and their interests based on search histories (both inside and outside of a specific business’s site). With the proper configuration, machine learning can be used to analyze shopping behaviors to customize and tailor the online shopping experience to specific users. Product recommendations, pairings, and promotions can target individuals, improving the customer experience, and in turn, your bottom line. “I’m looking for something a little more…” Machine learning is also great for cataloging products. In the past, businesses would send out dense and cumbersome product catalogs where customers could find — often with difficulty — the items they were looking for. Today, consumers are able to upload photographs of a product — say, an article of clothing — that’s similar to what they want to purchase or pair with another. Through AI, a website will be able to analyze the photographs and make suggestions based on data from the uploaded images. Customers can still talk to a “representative” More and more users are relying on eCommerce over face-to-face sales interactions, thanks to advances in “plain language” systems. Machine learning is getting better at interpreting conversations and answering with natural-sounding responses. By replicating the in-person shopping experience, eCommerce businesses can shift away from the overheads of brick-and-mortar stores. This will allow them to make significant savings in capital expenditures and human resources, all while reducing the opportunity for costly human error as well. AI has the potential to improve your eCommerce business. If you’re ready to integrate more of this tech into your business model, give us a call. Our experts will be happy to assist you and provide the cutting-edge IT solutions that will drive your business forward. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How virtual reality helps small- and mid-sized business
Virtual reality (VR) has many benefits. Its immersive sensory experience is being applied in healthcare, gaming and entertainment, fashion, the military, and the media, just to name a few. Small- and mid-sized businesses are no exception, as this technology is changing how they normally do business in wonderful ways. Create your own VR prototypes With the help of VR, you’ll no longer have to rely on manufacturing when you want to see what your product physically looks like and how it might work. These virtual products allow you to make any changes before production. Model creation in VR, for example, can save company resources, as these virtual prototypes allow manufacturers to examine a product and make changes without the time and money of building a physical model. VR for engineers As with manufacturing, VR is also time- and cost-efficient for engineers, architects, and other professionals who work with building large structures. It replaces traditional approaches, such as rendering small 2D models, and offers a more immersive experience that helps in designing structures. Virtual tours Let’s say that you’re a real estate agent showing houses to potential buyers. Your buyers may be in a different state or simply don’t want to spend time going from house to house. VR allows customers to see what the property looks like in a three-dimensional setting without them having to actually be there. Showing all the angles of a product In order to entice buyers into making a purchase, you must first give them an idea as to what your product actually looks like, and they need to see as many angles as possible. With VR, customers see your product from all angles without touching it. Furthermore, it allows customers to see a product in action. Shoppers can thoroughly examine a product before purchasing it. Take customers on an adventure If you are in a tourism or adventure-based business, you can use VR to give customers a taste of what to expect from the attractions. Imagine that you have an amusement park, and you want to attract customer attention. You can offer a short VR simulation of one of your rides so people can see whether or not they’d like it. Or if you own a resort or campground, you’ll also be able to create VR versions of whatever activities you offer. If done properly, VR has the potential to take your small- and mid-sized business to the next level. If you have any questions about how you can mesh VR with your company, don’t hesitate to send us an email or give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to assist you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Microsoft changes how it updates Windows 10
Before, whenever Microsoft’s hardware partners released updates on their drivers, those updates caused multiple problems for Windows 10 users. To resolve that, Microsoft revised the way it updates Windows 10. First, let’s distinguish between driver updates and operating system (OS) updates: Driver updates – A driver is software that allows your computer’s OS to communicate with various hardware devices connected to your computer. Without a driver, the devices you use — display, keyboard, mouse, modem, motherboard, etc. — will not work properly. Hardware manufacturers update their drivers similarly to any standard computer program. Updates are often enhancements to accommodate new software; for example, a new video game with state-of-the-art graphics will require driver updates for your display screen. OS updates – Windows 10 receives two kinds of regular updates: Security updates (every month) consist mostly of security fixes that are quickly installed. Feature updates (every six months) consist of upgrades to the latest Windows version with enhanced features, often requiring multiple reboots to install. Problems occur when Windows 10 updates are incompatible with a current driver, or when driver updates are released around the same time as Windows 10 updates. In both cases, compatibility issues result in automatic non-installation of updates and startup failures. To address this issue and improve user experience, Microsoft has changed the way it updates. #1 Microsoft now allows its hardware partners to request upgrade blocks Before, Microsoft put up an upgrade block when there were compatibility issues with certain drivers. But now the Redmond-based company is allowing their hardware partners like Intel, RealTek, and others, to request for upgrade blocks if they know their driver is not yet validated. This temporary Windows Update block period is between 30 and 60 days. Once the driver has been updated, then the Windows Update block will be removed. #2 Microsoft bans new driver releases during holidays and weekends To further improve driver update experiences, Microsoft has banned new driver releases during US public holidays and weekends. This is because Microsoft employees are not available to address compatibility issues that crop up after an update. And Microsoft aims to make driver release dates more predictable in the future. Do you encounter problems with your Windows 10 updates? If you constantly find it difficult to accomplish the updates for Windows 10 or for your drivers, then you should talk to our Windows experts — they’ll be more than happy to assist you. Call or email us right now. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Office 365 hacking: What you need to know
Some hackers have become so skilled that they don’t even need you to give up your credentials to hack into your account. One recent cyberthreat is targeted towards users of Microsoft Office 365. You don’t want to be the next victim, so read up. A phishing scam that harvests users’ credentials The latest cyberattack on Microsoft Office 365 involves harvesting users’ credentials. Scammers use this previously unseen tactic by launching a phishing message to users, asking them to click on an embedded link. What makes this scam more insidious than traditional phishing scams is that the URL within the message links to a real Microsoft login page. How does it work? The phishing message resembles a legitimate SharePoint and OneDrive file-share that prompts users to click on it. Once they do, they are taken to an Office 365 login page where they will be asked to log in if they haven’t already. After they’ve logged in, they’ll be prompted to grant permission to an app called “0365 Access.” Users who grant permission effectively give the app — and the hackers behind it — complete access to their Office 365 files, contacts, and inbox. This technique can easily trick lots of users since the app that requests access is integrated with the Office 365 Add-ins feature. That means that Microsoft essentially generates the request for permission. No, Microsoft is not aiding hackers to breach systems. Rather, the scam is made possible by a feature that allows users to install apps that are not from the official Office Store. Ways to protect your Office 365 account — and your business Given their fairly advanced approach, these scammers could effortlessly prey on careless employees. There are ways to make sure that doesn’t happen. Always check the email’s sender account before clicking on any link or granting apps access. Implement a policy that prevents staff from downloading and installing apps that are not from the Office Store. Regularly conduct security awareness training that covers essential cybersecurity topics. Educate employees on how to spot phishing scam red flags (e.g., unknown senders, grammatical and typographical errors, suspicious requests, and the like). Increase their knowledge about more sophisticated attacks and keep everyone informed about current and future cybersecurity risks. Successful attacks could result in an unimaginable catastrophe to your company. For tips on how to spot this and other nefarious scams and how to plan thorough security practices, contact our experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Get more from Android devices with the right accessory
Android devices are known for their versatility, a quality that’s made possible not just by the sheer variety of applications they support, but also by the many accessories you can use with them. Knowing what these accessories are and how you can connect them will help you get more out of your Android device. USB keyboards, mice, and gamepads Android phones and tablets don’t usually have standard, full-size USB ports, so you can’t plug a USB accessory directly into it. To connect such an accessory to the device, you’ll need a USB on-the-go (OTG) cable. This is a micro-USB adapter that you can purchase from any computer store for a couple of dollars. From there, your accessories should work without needing any further configuration. In fact, USB OTG allows you to use other USB devices, such as a flash drive, with your Android device. Keep in mind that not every Android device has the port that’s required to support USB OTG. This is the case with some smartphones. To avoid wasting money, be familiar with your device’s specs and ports before you purchase a USB OTG cable. Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and gamepads USB OTG cables sure are handy, but they can make your supposedly portable device not so portable anymore. Bluetooth technology effectively remedies the problem. Most Android devices allow you to connect wireless mice, keyboards, and gamepads directly by pairing them through the Bluetooth settings. Using each accessory All accessories should work in a plug-and-play manner. Here’s what you can do with some of them: Keyboard – Once connected, you should be able to use this accessory to type on your Android tablet as you would on the onscreen keyboard. Many of the keyboard shortcuts work as they do on computers, too. These include Alt+Tab for switching between apps, and Ctrl+X, C, or V for Cut, Copy, and Paste respectively. Mouse – Connecting a mouse will allow you to navigate and click on things using a mouse cursor instead of tapping on the device itself. You can still use the touchscreen while the mouse is connected. Gamepad – While gamepads can be used to navigate through your Android’s home screen interface and launch applications, they’re better used with games that support controllers. There are so many ways to have fun and extend the functionality of your Android device. If you have any questions about Android or are looking to integrate it into your business, give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The best Mac keyboard shortcuts
While many users are tech-savvy, there are some who don’t utilize useful keyboard shortcuts on their devices. These shortcuts can greatly enhance your productivity and save you a lot of time. Besides making you more efficient, using them can actually reduce wrist strain. Use these nifty Mac shortcuts to get you up to speed in no time. Minimizing (or “Docking”) the front app window: Command + M Use this combination when you have several apps, browsers, or Finder windows open and want to minimize the active one. To minimize all open windows at once, press Option + Command + M. Closing an active window: Command + W This shortcut lets you close active apps or programs like browsers, Finder, Thesaurus, or any app that allows multiple tabs to be open simultaneously. To close all tabs without quitting the program entirely, press Option + Command + W. Quitting a program: Command + Q Clicking the red X button in most Mac apps and programs, like Mail, only puts them in the dock. This shortcut lets you fully quit an application. Force quitting a program: Option + Command + Escape If an app becomes unresponsive, you can shut it down by using the force quit shortcut, which displays all your open applications. Select the one you want to quit and hit Force Quit. In some instances, you might need to press Command + Tab to switch to another app, then press Command + Shift + Option + Escape to quit an active app. Hiding apps: Command + H With this trick, you can hide an active window, which is particularly useful when you want to quickly conceal what’s on your screen. It’s also great for decluttering your screen by keeping only one app active. Simply press Option + Command + H. Opening folders in Finder: Command + Shift + A/U/D/H/I These combinations offer faster ways to view your Applications (A), Utilities (U), Desktop (D), Home (H), and iCloud (I) folders without having to click several apps. Shutting down a Mac: Control > Option > Command > Power button or Control > Option > Command > Media Eject In a hurry and need to power off quickly? This shortcut shuts down everything — apps, operating system, and power. Taking a screenshot: Command + Shift + 3 – Take a snapshot of your entire screen. Command + Shift + 4 – Turn your cursor into a set of crosshairs that will let you select a specific area of your screen. Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar – Hit these keys to screenshot only your current window (e.g., browser window, Notes app, etc.) without altering its dimensions. Other little-known shortcuts: Command + Spacebar – Spotlight Search bar will appear in the upper center of your screen, which you can use to search for files or programs. Command + Option + D – Hide the Dock. Command + Shift + [ or ] – Cycle through tabs in Safari by pressing [ when moving right or ] when moving left. Command + Shift – See all your open tabs in an active browser. Command + , (comma) – Open the active app’s settings. Command + Shift + T – Opens the last closed tab in the active browser. Everyone uses hotkeys to work faster and more efficiently. If you need more usability and productivity tips and tricks on MacBook, iMac, MacBook Pro, or any of your business devices, call our experts today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The right way to set up guest Wi-Fi
Customers, partners, and vendors expect Wi-Fi access when they’re visiting your office. This is why having guest Wi-Fi access is common for most companies. But setting it up the wrong way can create a frustrating experience for people looking to connect to the internet. In some cases, it can even leave your company exposed to cyberattacks. Here’s how to do it right. Never give guests access to your primary Wi-Fi Giving your guests access to your company’s main Wi-Fi connection might seem like a good idea, but you should avoid this at all costs. Anyone with a little technical know-how can potentially access everything on your company network, including confidential data. In addition, if any of your visitors’ mobile devices have been compromised, it’s possible that they can transmit malware to your entire network. Ways to create secondary Wi-Fi for guests If your router comes with built-in guest Wi-Fi support (you can check this feature through a quick web search), you can use it to create a separate “virtual” network. This means guests will have access to the internet without directly connecting to your company’s primary network. If your router doesn’t support multiple Wi-Fi networks, you can implement a separate wireless access point that bypasses the rest of your network and connects directly to the internet, thus preventing any outsider from accessing your company’s private data. Keep in mind that guest Wi-Fi still uses your ISP connection, so you should limit bandwidth usage on your guest network. Visitors streaming videos can slow down your internet connection, which can affect the productivity of your employees. With that in mind, you can even have your employees use the guest Wi-Fi on their mobile devices to minimize the chance of them hogging company bandwidth for personal use. Remember, your guest Wi-Fi should only provide outsiders with internet access, nothing more. While the proper setup isn’t rocket science, it can be a tedious process. Having said that, if you need a team of experts to take care of it, or if you simply have questions about how else to leverage your hardware for better efficiency and security, just give us a call. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Unified communications defined
Communications is an integral business component that no enterprise can survive without. At the forefront of modern business communications is the all-in-one, internet-powered communications solution: unified communications. What is unified communications? Unified communications (UC) allows you to manage all your communications as one piece of architecture rather than as several different components patched together. It integrates computer-related communication technologies like instant messaging and video conferencing with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which allows you to make and receive calls using the internet. What can be integrated? Just about every medium of communication can be integrated. This includes voice communication in all its forms — voicemail, email, or fax — as well as multimedia services like video chat and web conferencing. Real-time communication like call screening and call conferencing can also be integrated. On top of these, even data services and transactions like eCommerce and online banking can be added to a UC system. What are the benefits of UC to small businesses? One of the most evident benefits is having a single and flexible communication infrastructure that allows you to streamline and enhance business communication and easily manage all the components. Features can be scaled up or down to support your business needs without hassle. Other benefits include: Hypermobility UC enables you to access your files via a wide array of smart devices, like laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more. This means you can create your office environment and satisfy customers from anywhere you please. This opens up a world of opportunity for real-time collaboration and remote work. Improved productivity Your employees will be equipped with productivity-enhancing communication features, like call info, call routing, and more, which will enable them to work more efficiently and better tend to customers’ needs. Web and video conferencing calls, for instance, not only allow for real-time interactivity, but also for better collaboration. Delayed response times and gaps between dispersed teams are also minimized. Real-time updates You and your employees will be able to see important presence updates in real time, including the locations of your colleagues and ways to contact them. This way, you can get the right information from the right person when you need it. Single point of contact Clearly defined points of contact ensure that stakeholders can reach you by email, phone, SMS, etc., whether they are reaching out to you from a softphone, an IP phone, email, or IM. Reduced costs UC eliminates travel costs and lowers phone bills since it uses the internet to make calls. It also limits the need for expensive on-site hardware, as one UC server keeps everyone connected using the aforementioned communication features. Even better, you can potentially save thousands of dollars on office overheads by allowing employees to work from home since they’ll remain connected with their softphones even when they’re not in the office. It’s only a matter of time before unified communications becomes the norm for day-to-day office interactions. If you’re interested in learning more about how UC or VoIP can transform your business, just give us a call. We’ll answer your questions and help you devise an integration strategy for your business. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Rediscover Office 365 with Surface
Microsoft’s Surface line does not only have the most powerful Intel Core processors, but it also offers unprecedented integration with Office 365. With unique touchscreen capabilities and advanced accessories, Surface devices enable you to work with the popular productivity suite in new and exciting ways. Audio transcription in Word This new feature allows audio files to be uploaded into Word, which will then be broken down and transcribed on a side panel using Azure Speech Technology. If you want, you can also record directly on Word using the Dictate function. The app will automatically transcribe it. To review the accuracy of the transcription, simply select a piece of the transcribed text and the audio version of that part will be played back. This technology will be available in Word for web in early 2020, and can be enjoyed on desktop and mobile in the spring. This feature isn’t free, but researchers, students, and professionals will find that this feature is worth the cost. It can also be of help to people with disabilities. Improved Ink Editor Ink Editor lets you edit and highlight documents by using your finger or a digital pen. Previously, you could already do simple commands with it, like delete and add words in a document, split a word, or link two words together. With Surface devices, the editing gestures become even more natural. When the technology arrives on web and desktop in Spring 2020, you will be able to insert comments anywhere in the document, as well as add graphs, drawings, or dictations. Digital pen support for Excel Microsoft takes advantage of the touchscreen capabilities in Surface devices by offering digital pen support for Excel. With this capability, you can now use your digital pen to write letters and numbers directly into Excel. This is perfect for people who are always on the go and those who want to save time when taking down notes. Powerful Earbuds Surface Earbuds are wireless earbuds that allow you to control music and calls by using signature gestures and voice commands. And because it integrates with Office 365, you can also use these gestures and commands on Office apps, such as when controlling a PowerPoint slideshow. Go to the next slide on PowerPoint by swiping on your Earbuds, or play and pause a video with a single tap on your device. Access apps like Outlook calendar and email without a screen. You can also use its built-in mic for dictation in apps like Word and Teams. The possibilities are limitless. With Surface and Office 365 working together, you can expect improved productivity and more efficient workflows. Want to learn more about Office 365 and other necessary business technologies? Contact us today. Our technology experts are always ready to answer your questions. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.