Top 12 Tech Gifts of 2017
[row] [column span=”3″] [img src=”/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Tech-Gifts.png” class=”aligncenter”] [/column] [column span=”9″] At 5K Technical Services we like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017 and why you should check them out! [/column] [/row] 1. The Apple iPhone X There’s little denying that this year’s “must have” tech item must be the new iPhone X from Apple. The iPhone X (pronounced “ten”) arrives during the tenth anniversary of the original iPhone back in 2007. Apple has released their iPhone 8 this year as well, but the big dog here is the iPhone X. Sporting a 5.8-inch, OLED super retina HD display, the screen is capable of 4K video up to 60 frames per second, stunning colors, true blacks, and a 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio. It’s the largest iPhone screen to date. It sports dual 12 MP cameras that use facial recognition to unlock your phone. The phone is water and dust resistant and covered front and back in the most durable glass in a smartphone. If all this sounds like your cup of tea, prepare to empty the bank to get one. The 64 GB model will run you $1,000 while the 256 GB model goes for $1,150. It comes in both silver and space gray. All Apple stores, carriers, and retailers have limited stock with several not shipping until mid-December. It’s best to get your order in as early as possible. 2. Microsoft Xbox One X If you’re a gamer, especially a console gamer, you’ve no doubt heard of or are watching the Xbox One X. Microsoft has taken its flagship console, the Xbox One, and turned it up a few notches. Sporting 40% more power than any other console on the market and a 6 teraflop GPU (that’s crazy fast), it’s able to produce true 4K visuals. The new Xbox comes equipped with a 4K Blu-ray disc drive (only console that has this), 4K DVR and 4K streaming, fastest load times of any console on the market, and is compatible with all of your Xbox One games and accessories. The Xbox One X comes with a 1TB hard drive and retails for $499.99 and is in stock at most retailers but you might want to check availability before driving down to your local retailer. 3. Sony Alpha 6000 Digital photography is becoming easier to do with your smartphone, some phone cameras even rivaling some of the lower end cameras. But for those purists out there, it’s tough to beat the value you get with the Sony Alpha 6000. The camera is a mirrorless design with interchangeable lenses and takes photos at 24 mega pixels, that’s double what the iPhone X offers. The body design is the perfect size for the average human, not too small nor too large. It fits just right in your hand. It offers fast, continuous shooting (up to 11 frames per second) all while maintaining autofocus and auto exposure, and is sports a quicker autofocus than the leading DSLR camera. The A6000 also shoots video in 1080p and comes equipped with HDMI output. A great camera for the price, you can snag one with a 16-50mm lens for around $550. More lenses are available but will quickly run up the price. 4. Google Home Mini Google has been hitting the market over the past year with their own devices to rival their competition in tech market. One of these innovations is the Google Home Mini. The Mini is considerably smaller than their standard Google Home device ($129) and sports a smaller price tag accordingly. The Mini is built with families in mind and works in conjunction with Chromecast to control your TV, stream movies, and send music to your speakers. You can also have the Google Mini play from the device itself. It recognizes your voice, so multiple users can access their own playlists, calendars, and more. It also features hands-free calling for those times when too busy to hold a phone to your ear. The mini can control your lights, thermostat, and more with a voice command, but those require external devices and/or apps. Overall, for only $49 it does a solid job of bringing your entertainment into the next generation without depleting your rainy-day fund. 5. Nintendo Switch Nintendo knows how to get people excited, and excited they are to get the newest Nintendo console, the Nintendo Switch. The biggest draw might be the ability to play on your TV at home then remove it from its docking station and continue playing on the go as a handheld system. The console seamlessly transitions from one mode to the other, allowing you to take the game with you. Attached to your TV, the Switch docking station connects via HDMI and gives you true HD gameplay. The controller, the Joy-Con, separates into two controllers for multiplayer or the two can be attached to the sides of the console for gaming on the go. The Switch comes with a tiny 32GB of internal storage, but that can be easily upgraded to 2TB with a micro SD card. Unlike previous Nintendo consoles, or even the Xbox and PlayStation, the Switch doesn’t use discs. Instead, it uses small cartridges, like the games on the 3DS handheld system. At only $299.99 it’s an affordable piece of hardware with a unique array of software already available for it. It doesn’t play DVDs or Blu-rays, but it makes up for it with fun and exciting games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo has said that they are doubling their production on the Switch, so it should be in ample supply this holiday. 6. Samsung Q7F 4K TV You’ve purchased the new Xbox One X or a PS4 Pro, and now you can’t wait to get gaming. Or maybe the console purchase was for a spouse and/or child. Sure, your run-of-the-mill HDMI
Useful keyboard shortcuts for Mac users
Did you recently switch from Windows to Mac? If so, you’re probably still getting used to the Apple keyboard. The good news is it’s only slightly different from a non-Apple keyboard. The bad news is you’ll have to learn a whole new set of shortcuts. Although some basic shortcuts are the same in both Apple and Windows computers, there’s plenty more that you ought to use. 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 Command + Option + 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 Command + Option + 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: Command + Option + 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 Command + Option + 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: Command-Alt-Control-Eject In a hurry and need to power off quick? This shortcut shuts down everything — apps, operating system, and power. Taking a screenshot: Command + Shift + 3 – Use this to take a snapshot of your entire screen. Command + Shift + 4 – This combination will 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 (browser window, Notes app, etc.) without altering its dimensions. Other little-known shortcuts: Command + Spacebar – Press these keys and the 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 – Use this to 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.
How to extend your laptop battery life
These days, we get a lot of our work done on laptops, which means battery life is a huge priority for any laptop user. Wouldn’t it be good, then, to learn how to prolong the life of your laptop battery? Here are a few useful tips to do just that. Some truths about your laptop battery Batteries in many devices nowadays are lithium-based — either lithium-ion or lithium-polymer — so users must take note of the following guidelines for their proper maintenance: They can’t be overcharged, even though you leave your battery plugged in for a long period of time. When the battery hits 100%, it’ll stop charging. Leaving your battery completely drained will damage it. Batteries have limited lifespans. So no matter what you do, yours will age from the very first time you charge it. This is because as time passes, the ions will no longer be able to flow efficiently from the anode to the cathode, thereby reducing its capacity. What else can degrade your battery Besides its being naturally prone to deterioration, your battery can degrade due to higher-than-normal voltages, which happens when you keep your battery fully charged at all times. Even though a modern laptop battery cannot be overcharged, doing so will add a stress factor that’ll harm your battery. Both extremely high temperatures (above 70°F) and low temperatures (between 32-41°F) can also reduce battery capacity and damage its components. The same goes for storing a battery for long periods of time, which can lead to the state of extreme discharge. Another factor is physical damage. Remember that batteries are made up of sensitive materials, and physical collision can damage them. How to prolong your battery life Now that you know some facts about your laptop battery, it’s time to learn how to delay its demise: Never leave your battery completely drained. Don’t expose your battery to extremely high or low temperatures. If possible, charge your battery at a lower voltage. If you need to use your laptop for a long period of time while plugged into a power source, it’s better to remove the battery. This is because a plugged-in laptop generates more heat which will damage your battery. When you need to store your battery for a few weeks, you should recharge your battery to 40% and remove it from your laptop for storage. These are just a few tips on extending the life of your hardware. There are many more ways you can maximize your hardware efficiency and extend its longevity. Call our experts today to find out more! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Microsoft’s new productivity apps are live
In July 2017, Microsoft announced three brand new apps for Office 365: Connections, Listings, and Invoicing. They were designed for businesses with fewer than 300 employees and after a few months of beta testing, they’re finally available to Business Premium users. Take a minute to learn about what they can do for your team! Microsoft Invoicing Word and Excel have hundreds of templates for generating company invoices, but this new app does much more than just create documents. Invoicing allows you to store the names, descriptions, and prices of your products and services in a connected database. You can also store your tax information, company logo, and a click-to-pay PayPal badge, which means half of the necessary information is automatically filled out the moment you click Create. In addition to clean and professional looking documents, Invoicing also makes it easy to organize, store, and search past invoices thanks to a built-in QuickBooks integration. Last but not least, all of this is easily accessible from Microsoft’s mobile app. Microsoft Listings With its centralized dashboard, Listings allows you to manage and update company details displayed by Google, Facebook, Bing, and Yelp. It also helps you monitor your company’s online reputation by tracking page-views, company reviews, and Likes. Microsoft Connections Connections is the perfect app for small business email marketing. Similar to the Invoicing platform, Connections stores your company information and uses it to create personalized email marketing campaigns with the click of a button. For example, templates for newsletters, referrals, and promotions include customizable discounts and offers that trigger pre-written follow-up campaigns. Connections tracks and analyzes the performance of all your email-based campaigns to make refining and improving your content a breeze, whether it’s from your desktop or the mobile app. How to enable Invoicing, Listings, and Connections As long as you have an Office 365 Business Premium subscription, accessing these apps requires only a global admin login. From the Admin Center, click the Settings tab on the left-hand side of the screen, followed by Services & add-ins and then Business apps. In this menu, you can grant specific users permission to use Microsoft’s newest programs. Setting up these apps is fairly easy. However, it’s even easier to have your Office 365 account managed by us. We could have remotely installed Invoicing, Listings, and Connections for you almost a month ago, and with our information security expertise and unlimited IT support requests, there’s no limit to the value we can add to your Office 365 subscription. Give us a call to get started! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Google improves Chrome’s security settings
Most web browsers have built-in security measures to protect users, but some of those aren’t enough to ward off unwanted software. To improve Chrome’s security, Google rolled out some changes in its Chrome Cleanup tool for Windows. Here’s how the enhanced tool protects you. Detect hijacked settings Many users prefer to enhance their browsing experience by installing extensions or plug-ins, some of which could be malicious. When these extensions are installed, they could inject harmful ads into web pages or allow access to third-party servers without the user’s consent. Google’s new hijacked settings detection function prevents this from happening. Once it detects an attempt by a third party to change your browser’s settings, it will automatically revert to Chrome’s default settings. And in case you suspect any unauthorized change in your browser, you can manually reset settings in Chrome. Simplify cleanup You probably don’t remember downloading many of the files in your Downloads folder, but these are actually software and other attachments that were bundled with the software that you do use. Chrome Cleanup’s newly simplified feature makes it easier for you to determine harmful files, easing the pain of sorting through and deleting tons of downloaded files. Whenever it detects a malicious software, users will get a pop-up message that offers them an easy way to remove the potential threat, get more details about it, or disregard it in case of false detection. Maximize removal of nonessential software Aside from the simplified interface, Google also made some much-needed improvements in Chrome Cleanup’s performance, so it’s now capable of eliminating more junkware. Tricking users into installing a program without their consent is one of the many characteristics of unwanted software that Google lists under its Unwanted Software Policy. To help fight against this and other browser security risks, the company has partnered with an IT security team to strengthen Chrome’s ability to detect and remove unwelcome add-ons. It’s important to note that these upgrades don’t affect Chrome’s performance and speed because they work in the background. In addition, these changes are now available in Windows devices but will soon roll out to other platforms. In the meantime, if you want to find out more about browser and application security, contact our security specialists today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to connect accessories on Android
Did you know that you can connect a mouse to your Android tablet, or even an Xbox 360 controller to play a game console-style? The truth is many Android devices support a wide range of accessories. Here’s everything you need to know. USB keyboards, mice, and gamepads Android phones and tablets don’t come with standard, full-size USB ports so you can’t plug a USB accessory directly into it. To connect, you’ll need a USB on-the-go (OTG) cable, which is simply a micro-USB adapter that can be purchased from any computer store for a couple dollars. From there, your accessories should work without any further configuration. In fact, USB OTG even allows you to use other USB devices with your Android, like a flash drive. Keep in mind that not every Android device has the port that’s required to support USB OTG. Such is the case with a Nexus 4 smartphone. Make sure to Google your device’s specs before purchasing a USB OTG cable. Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and gamepads While USB OTG works well, wires do add clutter to what is supposed to be a portable device. This is where Bluetooth technology comes in. Most Android devices will allow you to connect wireless mice, keyboards, and gamepads directly by pairing them with your Android Bluetooth settings. Using each accessory All your accessories should work in a plug-and-play manner, and here’s what you can expect from each of them. Keyboard: Once connected, you should be able to use it to type on your Android tablet just like the onscreen keyboard. Many of the keyboard shortcuts work like they do on computers, too. These include Alt+Tab for switching between apps, and Ctrl+X, C, or V for Cut, Copy, and Paste. Mouse: Connecting a mouse will allow you to navigate and click on things you’d normally tap on your Android device with a mouse cursor. 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 like Sonic and many others. You’ll be surprised at the number of things you can do to get the most out 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. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How do idle VMs cost businesses
Thanks to virtualization software, the time it takes to bring virtual machines (VMs) online is faster than ever. You could deploy a fleet of them in minutes, but as with most technologies, there are some drawbacks. Experts say too many VMs can cause a logistical nightmare and cost your business a lot of money. The dangers of VM sprawl VM sprawl is a phenomenon that occurs when there are too many virtual machines on a network. Although VMs can be deployed quickly, it’s important to understand that they have the same licensing, security, and compliance requirements as your other computers and servers. So when administrators are given free rein to create as many virtual instances as they want, issues concerning the management of VM licenses and security begin to appear. In addition, having too many virtual instances running at the same time exhausts server resources and forces IT administrators to work overtime. What’s worse is some VMs are forgotten about, which can lead to security risks and higher costs. In fact, recent studies found 30% of all virtual servers are ‘comatose,’ which means companies are paying for licenses they’re not using. Unused VMs are also not patched and maintained properly, leaving them exposed to escape attacks — a type of hack whereby an attacker exploits a vulnerable VM to compromise an IT infrastructure. With this in mind, here are a few things you can do to stay on top of VM sprawl. Establish VM creation policies Businesses should have policies in place for limiting the creation of unnecessary VMs. For instance, you can have a policy that forbids users to deploy a new VM unless they specify a good reason. This way, they’re more likely to think twice before requesting resources they may not need. You should also place limits on how many VMs each department can create to keep your virtualized environment small and manageable. Document VMs Documenting every VM in your network should be standard protocol in your company. They should be organized by their purpose (e.g., backups, app testing, resource-intensive software usage), who they are assigned to, and what patch version they are currently on. This will make it easier to manage software updates and identify non-essential VMs. Implement lifecycle management tools For businesses with large-scale VM deployments, lifecycle management tools can give you total visibility of how many VMs are running on the network, how they’re being utilized, and who created them. Such tools also allow you to review which VMs are necessary to your operations and automatically decommission the ones that no longer serve a purpose. For example, you can set time-based policies which remove VMs that were needed for only a short time (e.g., those used for app testing). This ensures you’re not wasting resources on idle VMs. Although virtualization is a powerful solution, it must be carefully managed if you want to realize its cost-cutting and efficiency-boosting benefits. So if you’re experiencing VM sprawl or other virtualization issues, call our experts today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
VoIP options: Open source vs. Proprietary
Switching to internet-based phones gives you the chance to enjoy innovative new call features and significant cost reductions. There are a lot of options when choosing which voice over IP (VoIP) platform you use, but first you need to pick whether you’ll use an open-source or proprietary system. What are “proprietary” systems? When most companies release VoIP software, such as Microsoft’s Skype, they often package it in a way that makes it almost impossible for users to view or alter the programming code. By keeping it locked down, they can retain control over which hardware and software systems it is compatible with and prevent hackers from uncovering vulnerabilities. Pros and cons One of the biggest benefits of a proprietary VoIP system is a consistent user experience across compatible hardware devices and software integrations. Brand-name handsets and third-party software must be programmed by the VoIP system’s developer to be compatible, so you know everything will be optimized for a uniform and reliable user experience. But keep in mind that, in the majority of cases, the added security and polished integrations of these systems cost more than open-source alternatives. What are “open-source” systems? The programming code that enables open-source VoIP solutions to work is free and accessible to anyone. Open-source systems are made to be more of a starting point than a finished solution, which means they’re usually pretty rough around the edges until you customize them. Pros and cons The two best things about an open-source system are the cost and the flexibility. The core system will be totally free, but tailoring it to your desktops, handsets, and servers will require a fair amount of time and technical expertise. This usually requires a larger upfront investment when compared to proprietary systems, but will pay off with lower operational costs as time goes on. The tradeoffs between open-source and proprietary systems are fairly even. The former is often better for business owners who prioritize keeping costs low, while the latter is usually better for those who prefer refined solutions. Choosing between the two comes down to your customer service model, IT resources, and business priorities. Small businesses like yours can enjoy personalized, high-end IT solutions, they just need support from experienced technicians. With years of experience in VoIP, we’re the answer to all your problems. To learn about what we think is best for your business, call today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Outlook on Mac and Windows gets redesigned
Microsoft is redesigning Outlook for Mac and Windows to reduce clutter and improve user experience. The design changes will be patterned after the iOS version of the app, which is much easier to use and more modern-looking than its desktop counterpart. If you use Outlook on a desktop, check out these new changes. How Outlook will be simplified The most notable feature of the new Outlook will be a simplified navigation bar along the top of the screen, which means less of the screen will be reserved for formatting and organizational options. However, you can still add more buttons to accommodate your common tasks and preferences. With a smaller number of commands, you can benefit from an uncluttered interface that lets you use email more efficiently. Changes will also be made to the left panel to provide users with quicker access to folders across multiple accounts. Moreover, a slide-to-delete function using Apple’s trackpad — like in the iOS version — will be integrated into the redesigned app. Other design changes for Outlook in Mac Mac users can also expect faster and more reliable search and calendar features in the enhanced Outlook. The search function will get a performance boost and will be moved to the top right corner of the app for easier access. The calendar function’s interface, on the other hand, will be reworked to eliminate tedious steps currently required to manage appointments. These and other upcoming changes are aimed at increasing users’ satisfaction ‘by providing a cleaner, more modern way to email.’ The design changes will also benefit those who access their account on different devices because, in the updated desktop version, they will be able to enjoy the same uncluttered app that they use on their mobile devices. Although the changes are for Windows and Mac, Microsoft is implementing most of the design changes primarily for Mac. Microsoft recognizes Outlook’s popularity among “key influencers and decision makers,” whom it wishes to win over before a wider release. The new version will most likely become available to Office 365 subscribers first and eventually roll out with Office 2019, which is expected to arrive in mid-2018. An easy-to-use email interface is a boon to your business’s productivity. And with Outlook’s new look and improved functionality, you can read, send, and organize emails more conveniently and with minimal distraction. Our experts are on-hand to answer all your questions about Outlook and other Microsoft Office apps — get in touch with us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Recruit talent using Google!
The last thing you want when hiring new candidates is your competitors poaching them. This is why you need to post your job listings quickly on the right platform. If you’re not already doing that using Google for Jobs, here’s why you should. What is it? Google for Jobs is a search feature that sorts and prominently displays job listings from career sites in Google Search. It allows anyone looking for a job to access listings using different filters such as position and city, and apply directly from Google for Jobs instead of having to visit different websites. How will it benefit your company? Since Google for Jobs lets candidates search for positions using filters like location and expertise, employers can in turn find people who meet their criteria quite easily. Along with your job listings, it also displays your company logo, reviews, ratings, and salary range estimates, which can be used by candidates. This not only boosts your company’s online exposure, but also helps persuade candidates to apply too. Other than Google for Jobs, applicants are also able to choose which service they want to use to apply. For example, if they’re interested in a job opening from LinkedIn and already have a profile there, they can simply apply via LinkedIn. Google has also revealed that a bookmark button that allows users to save jobs right in Google search will be introduced soon. These integrations might not seem so useful, but they’ll definitely help make the whole process easier for you and potential candidates. How to get your job openings on Google for Jobs? The first option is to use a third-party job site. All you need is to post on job boards that are integrated with Google job search engine. These include Facebook, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Snagajob, Monster, and Jibe, among others. Once you have that, Google will automatically retrieve your postings and all the details to be shown in Google for Jobs. The second option is to integrate directly with Google, in which case you’ll need to edit the HTML of your job postings’ website so Google can index your postings. Here’s how: Make your web pages indexible Optimize your job descriptions for SEO by using relevant keywords, avoiding jargon, and using photos and videos Include structured data of your job posting in your listing Inform Google about changes to your postings by updating and using sitemaps Once your career openings are on Google for Jobs, tracking click rates and viewing analytics can be done easily using Google Search Console, the company’s free site monitoring and maintenance tool. It’s exciting to see what else Google has up its sleeve. If you have any questions about how you can use solutions from Google to enhance your business, feel free to give us a call. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.