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Copilot is bringing another productivity boost to Teams

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May 2nd 2024 By Matthew Phillips Copilot is bringing another productivity boost to Teams If you’re all about doing everything you can to help your team max their productivity (who wouldn’t want that, right?), then you’re going to love what Microsoft Teams has in store for us with its latest Copilot upgrades. Imagine, you’re mid-Teams meeting, brainstorming like there’s no tomorrow. Ideas are flying all over the place! Even the quickest note-taker among you isn’t going to remember it all. Never mind. Copilot’s got it. It can transcribe your conversation and understand your live chat, then summarise the most valuable insights. It doesn’t stop there. Ever wish you could hit “undo” on a chat message and reword your response? Copilot can help with that too. In fact, it can come up with a fresh message suggestion right there in the chat. That could save you lots of time – and brain power. https://player.vimeo.com/video/936636272 Copilot’s call recap tool can help with normal phone calls too. Teams Premium subscribers will benefit from handy recaps. It’s like having that personal assistant you always wished for (but you still have to make your own coffee). Microsoft’s also made IntelliFrame the default setting for video calls. What’s that, you ask? It uses AI to identify the individual video feeds of all participants so that everyone gets their moment in the spotlight during Teams Rooms calls. It also means no more awkwardly cropped faces or disappearing attendees. Smoother team collaboration, more insightful meetings, and video calls that look like they’re straight out of Hollywood… who doesn’t want that?! If you’re not already maxing Teams in your business, we can help. Get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Be more productive with these Microsoft Edge features

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April 15th 2024 By Matthew Phillips Be more productive with these Microsoft Edge features Improving productivity is a never-ending mission for most business owners and managers. Whether it’s speeding up tasks or improving communication, every little helps. So it’s crucial to make the most of the tools you already have. And while you might think of your web browser as just a means to access the internet, it can be so much more than that. Especially if you use Microsoft Edge in Windows 11. It has loads of features that can help supercharge your productivity. https://player.vimeo.com/video/926233554? Here are five of our favourites. Split Screen for multitasking Multitasking is a skill every business owner needs, and Microsoft Edge’s split screen feature makes it easier than ever. Whether you’re comparing web pages, researching multiple topics, or simply keeping an eye on different sites simultaneously, split screen lets you view two pages side-by-side within the same tab. It’s like having two windows open at once, but without the clutter. Vertical Tabs for streamlined navigation Too many tabs? Yeah… we understand that. Microsoft Edge’s vertical tabs offer a fresh perspective on tab management. By stacking tabs vertically along the side of the browser window, you can easily navigate between open tabs and access essential controls like close and mute. Workspaces for seamless collaboration Collaboration is key in any business, and Microsoft Edge’s Workspaces feature makes it easier than ever to work well with colleagues or clients. Create a workspace with a collection of open tabs, then share it with others via a simple link. It means they can open multiple tabs with one click. It’s perfect for brainstorming sessions, project management, or team presentations. Collections for organised research Gathering information from the web is a common task. Microsoft Edge’s Collections feature makes this easier, allowing you to easily save and organise text, images, and videos from web pages into custom collections. Stay organised, focused, and productive.       5: Immersive Reader for distraction-free reading When you need to focus on reading an article or document online, distractions on the page can be a pain. Microsoft Edge’s Immersive Reader feature provides a clutter-free reading experience by removing ads, links, and other interruptions. Customise the text size, spacing, and colour scheme to suit your preferences, and even have the content read aloud for hands-free reading. If your business doesn’t already use Microsoft Edge on Windows 11, this could be the perfect time to switch. Can we help you move over? Get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Is Wi-Fi 7 worth the investment?

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April 1st 2024 By Matthew Phillips Is Wi-Fi 7 worth the investment? You know that staying ahead of the technology curve is vital for all businesses in a highly competitive marketplace. One innovation launched earlier this year is Wi-Fi 7, the next generation of wireless connection. But what exactly does it offer, and is it worth the investment for your business? Lightning-fast speeds: No more buffering and lagging. Wi-Fi 7 brings blazing-fast speeds to keep your business running smoothly. Rock-solid connections: Forget all about dropped calls or lost connections. Wi-Fi 7 ensures reliable performance, even in busy environments. Futureproofing: Wi-Fi 7 is built to handle the demands of tomorrow’s tech. It’s future-proofing your business’s internet. Now, here’s the million-dollar question: Should you upgrade to Wi-Fi 7? Well, it depends. While Wi-Fi 7 offers some awesome benefits, it can be a bit pricey to upgrade. The initial investment includes the expense of next-gen routers capable of supporting Wi-Fi 7, which can range from hundreds up to thousands. And there may also be ongoing operational costs, especially if you’re leasing routers from internet service providers. If you’re not ready to dive into Wi-Fi 7 just yet, that’s ok. There are plenty of other ways to improve your business’s existing Wi-Fi. From optimising your current set-up to adding extenders or mesh networks, there are options to fit every budget. We’re all about making sure you find the perfect tech solutions for your business to keep you and your team happy. If you’d like to go through your options, get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates. Share

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The little things that make a big difference

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March 18th 2024 By Matthew Phillips The little things that make a big difference Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update has dropped, and it’s got a small change that could make a big difference to you and your team. Microsoft has given Copilot, its handy AI assistant, a new place on the taskbar. No more hunting around for the button. Now it sits on the far right of the taskbar, in what we tech folks call the ‘system tray area’. If Copilot isn’t your thing, no worries. You can easily remove it from the taskbar altogether. But having an AI assistant at your fingertips can be a real boost for productivity, so we’d recommend you give it a chance before giving it the boot. https://player.vimeo.com/video/921100679? Before you rush to check if your Copilot button has relocated, let’s talk details. First off, this update has been rolling out over the last few weeks. It’s known as Patch KB5034765 (catchy name) and isn’t just about moving buttons around. It’s also packed with important security and bug fixes, including a crucial one for Explorer.exe. This was causing some PCs to freeze up when restarting with a game controller attached. Probably not an issue in your business, but you never know… There was also a problem with slow announcements from Narrator, the screen reading tool. That’s been fixed. While this Windows 11 update may seem like small fry, it’s these little tweaks that can really streamline your workflow and stop your team from being interrupted by problems while they work. Has your business switched over to Windows 11 yet? Our team can look at your set-up and advise whether you’d benefit from upgrading, or you should stay on Windows 10. Get in touch and ask us for a tech audit. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Before you replace your slow PCs…

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March 4th 2023 By Matthew Phillips Before you replace your slow PCs… You rely on your team to be efficient and productive. But slow and sluggish computers can make it difficult for them to do their work – and could affect you personally too. Which impacts your business’s overall performance. Before you jump to the (expensive) conclusion that you need to replace your PCs, there are several ways you can increase computer performance on Windows 10 and 11. Here are just a few… Restart your computer Yes, it might be our favourite advice as IT support professionals, but a basic shutdown and restart can work wonders. Restarting your computer clears background processes, applications, and memory data. This often resolves common performance issues, especially if your computer has been running for a while. Manage start-up apps Many apps register themselves to start automatically with Windows 11, and this can slow down your computer’s start-up process. To regain some speed, consider disabling unnecessary start-up apps: Open Settings Click on Apps Select the Start-up page Sort apps by their “Start-up impact” Turn off the toggle switch for any unnecessary apps Restart your computer This will prevent these apps from launching automatically during start-up and save valuable system resources. Disable restartable apps Windows 11 has a feature that saves and restarts certain applications when you reboot your computer. While it can be convenient, it may not be ideal for performance. To turn off this feature: Open Settings Click on Accounts Go to the Sign-in options page Turn off the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” toggle switch.   Disabling this feature can help improve your computer’s speed, especially if you have many applications that you don’t use regularly. Uninstall unnecessary apps Unused or unnecessary apps can clutter your system and slow it down. To remove them: Open Settings Click on Apps Select the Installed apps page Choose the app you want to uninstall and click the Uninstall option Follow the on-screen directions if necessary   By removing apps you don’t need, you’ll free up space and resources for better performance. https://player.vimeo.com/video/916669992? Always be cautious about what software you install on your computer. Poorly designed or outdated applications can have a negative impact on performance. Stick to reputable apps (preferably those available in the Microsoft Store) because they have thorough reviews for both security and performance. Before installing any software, do some online research to check for user experiences and potential issues. Trustworthy sources and well-known companies are your best bet. Take the time to optimise your existing Windows computers before you consider upgrading your devices. Of course, rather than doing all of this yourself, why not get our team to do it for you. They can check every aspect of your computers and network to look for other hidden problems. Get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Don’t think your business is a target? Think again

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February 12th 2024 By Matthew Phillips Don’t think your business is a target? Think again You might think that cyber criminals are only interested in large companies or those with huge financial assets. After all, that’s where the big bucks are, right? Think again. Recent reports have shown that cyber criminals are casting their nets wide, targeting businesses of all sizes, from independent shops to global enterprises. And they’re doing it with the help of something called “botnets.” You may have heard about the rise of malicious botnets, and you’re probably wondering, “what on earth is a botnet, and why should I care?” Botnets are the secret weapons of cyber criminals. They’re armies of compromised devices, all under the control of a single, malicious puppeteer. These can be anything from your computer to your smart fridge. Yes, even your fridge can be turned into a cyber weapon. A new report observed “massive spikes” in the activity of these botnets, with over a million devices involved in malicious activities at one point. To put it into perspective, that’s a hundred times the usual levels of botnet activity. https://player.vimeo.com/video/907530131 Usually, there are around 10,000 devices doing naughty stuff each day, with 20,000 being the highest number researchers had seen. But in December 2023, things got crazy. The number shot up to 35,144, and two weeks later, it rose even further to 43,194. That’s a lot of compromised devices. And it didn’t stop there; the researchers saw the biggest spike yet, hitting a whopping 143,957 distinct devices being used at the same time. In fact, on the 5th and 6th of January there were spikes of more than a million devices! Why are they doing this? These botnets are being used to scan the internet, searching for weaknesses in websites, servers, and even email systems. Think of the internet as a fortress with many doors and windows. These cyber criminals are looking for unlocked doors and open windows to sneak in. They focus on specific “ports” that serve as entry points. What can you do to protect yourself from these cyber threats? It’s all about strengthening those doors and windows. Here are a few simple steps: Keep your software, operating systems, and applications up-to-date. Regular updates often fix vulnerabilities. Install a good firewall and reliable antivirus software to protect your devices. Educate your employees about cyber security best practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and emails. Enforce strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Regularly back up your data to prevent loss in case of a cyber attack. Keep an eye on your network for any unusual activity. Consider hiring a cyber security expert (that’s us) to assess and enhance your security measures.   If we can help you keep your business better protected, get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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This new search feature in Edge is a revolution

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February 5th 2024 By Matthew Phillips This new search feature in Edge is a revolution Microsoft’s at it again, presenting us with new features week after week. This time it’s all about making our online searches smarter and more efficient in the Edge browser. If you’ve been on the fence about switching to it, this might just be the push you need. Edge has a cool new feature, as revealed by Mikhail Parakhin, CEO of Advertising and Web Services at Microsoft. Imagine this: you’re searching for something important for your business – maybe it’s market research or the latest trends in your industry. You type in your query, and you get results from not one but two search engines at the same time. How does it work? Let’s break it down. Say Bing is your default search engine. Now, when you hit the search icon, you won’t just see Bing’s results, you’ll also get a peek at what Google (or your alternative search engine of choice) has to offer. This dual view works both ways, ensuring you’re not missing out on any valuable information. In business, information is gold. Having access to comprehensive search results means you’re more likely to find the most relevant, diverse, and valuable information. No more switching between browsers or tabs to compare search results – Edge now does that for you in a single view. https://player.vimeo.com/video/904514472 Some people have raised concerns about potential visual clutter from combining two engines’ results. It’s a valid point, and thankfully, Microsoft is listening. Parakhin hinted at the possibility of customising your ‘backup’ search engine to streamline the experience. While the sidebar’s width is currently fixed, there’s an openness to explore deeper customisation options soon. This feature in Edge is quite a lure. It simplifies the task of searching, making research quicker and more effective. You get the best of both worlds without the hassle of juggling multiple windows. And it’s more than just a convenience; it’s a step towards smarter, more efficient browsing, especially for us in the business community. It demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to improving user experience and staying competitive in the browser game. For current Edge fans, this is an exciting upgrade. For everyone else, it’s a compelling reason to consider making the switch. Need a hand finding time-saving tools for your business? Get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Here’s what’s in store for the last ever Windows ‘Moments’ update

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January 29th 2024 By Matthew Phillips Here’s what’s in store for the last ever Windows ‘Moments’ update Microsoft is soon going to release its latest update for Windows 11, known as “Moment 5” or the “February 24 Moment.” This update is expected to start rolling out in the next few weeks and it comes with some noteworthy changes that you’ll want to keep an eye on. But first, let’s address one thing: After this update, Microsoft is going back to its roots with annual updates for Windows 11. What does that mean for you? Well, it means you can expect more stability and fewer major overhauls to your operating system. It’s time to bid farewell to those frequent “moment” updates and embrace a more predictable schedule. https://player.vimeo.com/video/902305025 Now, let’s dive into what Moment 5 has in store for us… One of the standout features of this update is the enhancement of Windows 11’s built-in accessibility features. Microsoft is improving the user experience for those who rely on these. Voice Access now supports multiple monitors and additional languages. It introduces “voice shortcuts” for custom voice-activated commands. Narrator gains the ability to preview new natural voices and works alongside voice access for various tasks. One notable change is the ability to write directly into text boxes using a stylus across the operating system. This feature streamlines the use of digital pens, eliminating the need for a dedicated handwriting panel. For the first time ever, Microsoft is making some in-box apps uninstallable. Apps like Edge, Camera, and Photos can be removed if you don’t intend to use them. Microsoft is also making the Windows Search pane more flexible. This update allows third-party search providers like Google or Yahoo to create plugins for the Windows Search pane. So, if you prefer another search engine over Bing (and let’s face it, many of us do), you’ll have the option to switch. The Nearby Share feature (it’s like Apple’s AirDrop) gets a boost with “friendly name” support. You can give your PC a more readable name, making file sharing more user-friendly. Additionally, Windows Spotlight, which displays Bing’s background of the day, will become the default wallpaper setting. Copilot is getting better. It can now be “undocked,” making it more versatile and accessible. You’ll also find the Copilot interface in the Windows ALT+TAB menu for quick and easy access. And Microsoft is making changes to the Widgets Board. You’ll be able to disable Microsoft News integration, allowing for a widget-only layout if you prefer not to have news headlines in your Widgets Board. Plus, third-party news services can build plugins to integrate with the Widgets Board, providing more options for users. Notepad will include a character count feature and an “Edit with Notepad” shortcut in context menus for select file types. In a nutshell, Moment 5 brings a host of improvements and enhancements to Windows 11, making it more accessible, user-friendly, and versatile. For business owners, these updates can improve productivity and streamline workflows for you and your team. If you haven’t already made the move to Windows 11, now’s the time! We can help you with that – get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Microsoft wants you to pay for updates

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January 22nd 2024 By Matthew Phillips Microsoft wants you to pay for updates Microsoft has announced that starting on 14th October 2025, they will no longer provide free support and security updates for Windows 10. While the idea of paying for updates might raise some eyebrows, let’s put this into perspective. By 2025, Windows 10 will be a decade old, and Microsoft is likely to have introduced Windows 12. And as we know, Windows 11 is available today. Supporting multiple old operating systems can be quite a handful, even for a tech giant like Microsoft. 2025 may seem like a way off, but it’s a good idea to start weighing up your options now. Here they are: Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 Microsoft’s preferred option is for you to switch to Windows 11. It’s got some fantastic features and free updates until its end of life. Option 2: Stick with Windows 10 and pay You can choose to stay with Windows 10, but you’ll need to pay for security updates (no new features, though). The exact cost isn’t known yet. It’ll likely be a subscription for monthly updates. Option 3: Stick with Windows 10 and don’t update it Sure, you can continue using Windows 10 without paying, but this isn’t advisable. Without updates, your business’s PCs will become vulnerable to threats and security issues. And without Microsoft’s support to fix problems, even tech experts like us have nowhere to go for help. Please don’t take this option! https://player.vimeo.com/video/896181216 You’ve got until October 2025 to decide, so there’s no rush. But if you want your business to thrive this year, we’d highly recommend upgrading to Windows 11 sooner than later. You’ll immediately benefit from some features that could improve your processes and make your team’s jobs easier.  If you’re considering the move to Windows 11, or exploring other options, we’re here to help make the transition smooth and hassle-free. Get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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You’re not imagining it, video calls ARE stressful

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January 8th 2024 By Matthew Phillips You’re not imagining it, video calls ARE stressful You know that feeling when you’ve spent way too much time in virtual meetings, and you’d trade your favourite coffee mug for some real face-to-face interaction? That’s called Zoom fatigue. It turns out there’s scientific evidence to back up what we’ve all been feeling. Recently, researchers from Austrian universities decided to take a closer look at the impact of video conferencing on our bodies and minds. They strapped participants with EEG and ECG monitors and went to town with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms. The results were eye-opening. Brain signal frequency, as measured by EEG, showed a noticeable increase in higher-level frequencies associated with concentration, attention, and stress during online meetings compared to in-person encounters. So, it’s not just your imagination – those video calls are really making you work extra hard to stay focused. Additionally, the study revealed changes in heart rate variability, indicating ongoing signs of fatigue throughout the course of an online meeting. https://player.vimeo.com/video/894073770 Before you swear off video meetings forever, it’s essential to consider the study’s context. The participants were university students, not corporate warriors, and the study was conducted on-campus, not from cosy home offices. So, there might be some variations based on age and environment. However, the key takeaway is that communicating face-to-face versus through a screen can have a significant impact on the human body. So, even if you’re not a 24-year-old student on a college campus, video conferencing fatigue is a real thing. What can businesses do if they want to keep the benefits of video conferencing without driving their employees up the virtual wall? Consider using collaboration tools like Teams, Slack, or even good old-fashioned email to reduce the need for real-time video meetings. Give your team the flexibility to respond when it suits them best. If possible, schedule in-person meetings when it’s safe and practical to do so. Nothing beats the personal touch of a face-to-face conversation, and it’s a refreshing break from the virtual world. The simplest solution can often be the most effective. Have an open conversation with your employees about their preferences for communication. Some may thrive in video meetings, while others may prefer written updates or phone calls. When you do schedule video meetings, keep them short and sweet. Avoid back-to-back calls and allow time for breaks between meetings to prevent burnout. The message is clear: don’t throw out your webcam just yet. Instead, take a step back, assess your communication methods, and find the right mix that keeps your team engaged and energised. Can we help you find the tech tools to keep your people productive and engaged? Get in touch. Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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