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The cloud: Connecting us during the COVID-19 outbreakGovernments across nearly every continent issued stay-at-home orders, which apparently slowed the spread of COVID-19. However, while these drastic measures have saved and continue to save countless lives, the negative repercussions to economies, societies, and individuals’ mental well-being are enormous. Thankfully, the cloud is playing a substantial role in mitigating the effects on all three. […]

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08 May, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2020may8webandcloud_b, cloud computing, cloud hosting solutions, cloud-based payment systems, communication, covid-19, remote work, social distancing, Social Media, stay at home, video calls, video conferencing, Web & Cloud category
The cloud: Connecting us during the COVID-19 outbreak

Governments across nearly every continent issued stay-at-home orders, which apparently slowed the spread of COVID-19. However, while these drastic measures have saved and continue to save countless lives, the negative repercussions to economies, societies, and individuals’ mental well-being are enormous. Thankfully, the cloud is playing a substantial role in mitigating the effects on all three.

Cloud computing helps buoy economies

For many people, being forced to stay at home means being unable to earn money or spend money on in-person services and activities that form dense congregations, such as watching movies or attending concerts. Because of this, the world is projected to enter a global recession, although cloud computing helps to put a damper on this in a number of ways:

  • The cloud allows people to work remotely.
    Cloud-based productivity and project management tools let people continue working from the safety of their own homes, thereby helping businesses remain operational despite having empty offices.
  • Cloud hosting solutions support eCommerce activities.
    Regular web hosting services would be overwhelmed by spikes in traffic caused by surges in online shopping. eCommerce shops that are hosted on the cloud, on the other hand, won’t be so easily disrupted, thanks to the cloud’s scalability.
  • Cloud-based payment systems help keep money flowing.
    A dead river is one in which water is stagnant and doesn’t flow. Economies are similar: money needs to keep moving in order for them to thrive. Since people stayed in their homes, economic activity slowed down. However, thanks to cloud-based payment systems, money can still move. Payroll apps let employers pay their staff, while banking and online payment apps let people transact and handle their finances in the comfort of their own homes.

Cloud-based communication apps help keep communities stay together

Communications can be challenging when it’s harder for people to talk face to face, but cloud-based apps keep communities together in the following ways:

  • Social media apps help disseminate truthful information about the pandemic to the public.
    News agencies disseminate the latest developments regarding the pandemic in real time via social networks such as Twitter. Even government agencies and elected officials like New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo broadcast briefings over social media.
  • Chat and video conferencing apps help families and friends keep in touch with each other.
    Much of human communication is actually nonverbal: we discern vocal tone, read body language, and take cues from people’s facial expressions. Moreover, as social beings, we crave interpersonal interactions — and seeing each other’s faces through video calls and video conferencing is the next best thing.

Cloud-based entertainment apps help us pass the time and keep us sane

The isolation brought about by social distancing can be harmful to our mental health. Not being able to party with our friends and work out in the gym can intensify feelings of loneliness and anxiety, as well as exacerbate symptoms of depression. Thankfully, there are many cloud-based apps that can entertain us and give us virtual forms of connection.

  • Content creation apps provide outlets for self-expression and avenues for interaction.
    Even while hunkered down, teens and their families can take part in TikTok challenges to break the boredom. Sharing hilarious Instagram stories gave Emmy Award winner Leslie Jordan an extra boost in fame.
  • Game-streaming services open up libraries of video game titles.
    New video games are expensive, but playing the same titles over and over again can prove tiresome. With game-streaming services, you can play new games without breaking the bank and spend countless hours of fun with old and new online friends.
  • Stay culturally up to date by binge-watching what everyone else is watching.
    Streaming services like Netflix now put their most-viewed shows in top 10 lists, letting you know what you might be missing out on. Of course, people are free to skip shows they don’t like, but they better prepare themselves to be unable to relate when others start discussing these shows!

The cloud is now a ubiquitous part of people’s lives, be it personally or in business. To find out the best cloud solutions for your company, contact our IT experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Top qualities to consider when choosing a laptopIf you love working in your PJs in the comfort of your own bed, then you probably enjoy working from home. It’s not so great though if you’re stuck with a laptop that’s slow and inefficient. But don't worry, we have some recommendations to help you make a decision. Size – When it comes to […]

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24 Apr, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, remote work, work from home category
Top qualities to consider when choosing a laptop

If you love working in your PJs in the comfort of your own bed, then you probably enjoy working from home. It’s not so great though if you’re stuck with a laptop that’s slow and inefficient. But don't worry, we have some recommendations to help you make a decision.

  • Size – When it comes to your laptop weapon of choice, size matters. Of course, this depends on what you’ll be doing with it. If you’re a graphic designer, you might want to have a bigger display. However, if your work mostly entails writing, blogging, or doing reports, you probably need a standard-sized (11.6- to 15.6-inch) laptop.
  • Screen quality – For work, comfort is the main factor when it comes to screen quality since you’ll most probably be in front of your screen hours at a time. Fortunately, most laptops these days have full HD displays. A 1920x1080-pixel resolution (full HD) should be considered if you require plenty of space to line up windows and keep things in view.
  • Keyboard quality – The quality and functionality of a keyboard drive productivity. If you need to type long hours and want to avoid finger fatigue, you’ll want a keyboard that has a comfortable layout. Make sure the keys have adequate travel on the downstroke and quick responsiveness when you type.
  • CPU – By any given standards, Intel Core Processor offers the best performance, especially when it comes to multitasking and multimedia tasks. Core i3-based laptops are generally found in budget systems, while Core i5 makes up the majority of mainstream business computers. If you want top-of-the-line performance, a Core i7 or even Core i9 CPU is ideal for you.
  • RAM – More RAM allows for more applications to run simultaneously, and for data to be quickly accessible by the system anytime. Nowadays, 8 GB is recommended for most users. But if you're dealing with many applications and assets at any given time, consider 16 GB and above.
  • Storage – We recommend a solid state drive (SSD), as it offers a lot more speed than a hard disk drive when it comes to booting your system and loading programs. It also runs silently and can be installed without adding too much weight and bulk to the laptop.
  • Battery life – You might be plugged in the whole day since you’re working from home, but in the long run, it’s better to factor in the battery life of your laptop. Note that there are many variables that affect battery life such as screen resolution, brightness, number of applications running in the background. Look at the rating of the battery in watt-hours (Wh) or milliampere hours (mAh). The larger these digits are, the longer the battery can last.

Now that you know what to look out for when purchasing your new laptop, here are a couple of recommendations to get you started:

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are budget-friendly laptops that guarantee long battery lives and come with fast processors for web browsing and running productivity apps. They’re lightweight and compact, which is perfect for those times you need to move around or switch places in your home. In addition, Chromebook laptops usually have quiet and ergonomic keyboards. With its built-in Chrome OS, you can expect a faster and more secure laptop that will keep you working efficiently.

2-in-1 laptops

Lightweight laptops with a tablet touch screen allow for unparalleled flexibility and mobility. Most 2-in-1s also have HD displays backed by high-speed processors and integrated graphics to enhance your video conferencing experience. What's more, they're usually paired with a stylus, making them perfect for note-taking, photo editing, and other creative tasks.

Microsoft Surface laptop

Microsoft Surface laptops are considered top performers in the premium laptop market, as they offer great balance and portability. They handle general computing superbly with no slowdown and noise, even if you’re running 10 applications with plenty of tabs in your browser. Other great integrations include an excellent keyboard and trackpad and an ideal screen ratio that’s perfect for productivity tasks.

Apple MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro laptops are generally known for their safe and secure operating system, MacOS. They’re also popular for their powerful hardware that can run graphically intensive tasks. Plus, they can run other operating systems like Windows, UNIX, and Linux. If you need to do video editing, you can definitely take advantage of Mac-exclusive software like Final Cut Pro.

One of the most remarkable features that Apple MacBook Pro laptops boast of is the switch from the former butterfly-like keyboard to the more traditional scissor mechanism. The new keys offer better travel and they also feel soft and clicky. If you’re after a good blend of portability and performance, a MacBook Pro laptop is probably your best bet.

Any laptop is an investment, so you should know what to look for and what to consider. While it’s tempting to get all the great features, it’s still more important to have a laptop that’s reliable and that’s best suited for your needs, especially when you can’t afford to deal with hardware issues while working from home. Call us today to learn more.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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How working from home is becoming the new normFor many businesses, remote working seemed impossible for a multitude of operational and financial reasons. But with the COVID-19 pandemic relentlessly plaguing the world, working from home has become the new standard. How will this change the corporate setup? Enforced flexibility A pandemic is one of the most socially, economically, and politically disruptive events that […]

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15 Apr, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in coronavirus business impact, coronavirus pandemic, covid-19, remote work, work from home category
How working from home is becoming the new norm

For many businesses, remote working seemed impossible for a multitude of operational and financial reasons. But with the COVID-19 pandemic relentlessly plaguing the world, working from home has become the new standard. How will this change the corporate setup?

Enforced flexibility

A pandemic is one of the most socially, economically, and politically disruptive events that could ever happen. Infections and fatalities constantly increase, business operations are shut down, and scientists race against time to find a cure.

Companies lucky enough to remain operational still face a significant challenge: maintaining business continuity. For most, the simplest way to achieve this is by moving their business resources online and adopting an effective remote work strategy.

With resilience and careful decision-making — as well as the right tools and processes — you might just find your employees more productive, less stressed out by work, and expressive as ever.

A wealth of benefits

Remote work offers several benefits for both employees and employers. In addition to saving time and eradicating commute-related stress, remote work can improve employee productivity. A number of studies reveal that the freedom to create a comfortable environment and schedule encourages employees to perform at their best.

At the same time, employers benefit from reduced overhead expenses while also having access to a wider pool of applicants. Because workplace flexibility is among the top considerations of many young job seekers, remote work arrangements would be right up their alley.

Employers can also hire outside of reasonable commuting distance, as employees won’t have to report to the office as frequently, if not at all. What’s more, mandatory daily attendance is going out of fashion — more businesses are now prioritizing performance over hours clocked in. Many prefer focusing on the quality of outputs rather than just keeping people in the office from 9 to 5.

Businesses reap great rewards for recognizing performance instead of just presence. This approach makes for more engaged, efficient, and satisfied employees, consequently creating a healthy and progressive company culture.

Encouraging development

Many businesses believe that a traditional office setup helps bring about better relationships and collaborations. However, data actually points out that interpersonal behavior and communication — not solely proximity — are the key drivers of trust and teamwork.

Traditional work arrangements also make it easier for managers to look after their employees — it’s easy to see who is and isn’t at their workstation during office hours. However, mandating work hours and location makes sense only for time-sensitive and location-dependent jobs like retail, manual labor, and healthcare, where employees need to be physically present.

Meanwhile, for knowledge workers whose jobs involve non-routine problem solving, an office cube isn’t always the most conducive environment for devising solutions and innovations. Sometimes, the best and most unique ideas come from exposure to the surroundings, people, and events outside the confines of an office.

Embracing change

Being forced to adopt a work from home policy in the face of a global crisis isn’t an ideal circumstance to test the waters. Full-time remote work doesn’t and won’t work for all businesses. But this shouldn’t stop you from accomplishing projects and sustaining productivity and efficiency. Leverage your resources to help you weather the storm and emerge stronger than before.

Though we have yet to see if remote work is here to stay, it’s currently a nonnegotiable aspect of the corporate setup, and we should learn how to make the most out of it.

Having a strong strategy in place and the right tools and equipment are crucial to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and management. Our experts can help you configure the perfect remote working setup for your business. Call us today.

 

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Cybersecurity tips for working remotelyRemote work policies have become a necessity not just because of the current coronavirus crisis, but also for the ways they improve a company’s bottom line and efficiency. Yet despite remote work’s benefits, it leaves you and your company exposed to online scams and other cybersecurity threats. To defend your company and your remote workers, […]

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10 Apr, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in remote work, Security category
Cybersecurity tips for working remotely

Remote work policies have become a necessity not just because of the current coronavirus crisis, but also for the ways they improve a company’s bottom line and efficiency. Yet despite remote work’s benefits, it leaves you and your company exposed to online scams and other cybersecurity threats. To defend your company and your remote workers, make sure to heed the following tips.

Fortify user accounts

When everyone is working remotely, user accounts must be properly secured. One way to achieve this is by setting at least 12-character long passwords with numbers and special characters mixed in to make them more difficult to guess. More importantly, these passwords must be unique to each account, to minimize the damage if hackers do manage to compromise one set of credentials. If you find it difficult to generate and remember login details for all your accounts, consider password managers like LastPass, Dashlane, and Keeper.

To further strengthen your accounts, however, you’ll also need to enable multifactor authentication (MFA). This adds another layer of identity verification — like fingerprint scans or one-time activation codes generated by SMS — to make it more difficult for cybercriminals to hijack your accounts.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

VPNs are primarily known for circumventing geographic restrictions on location-specific websites and streaming services, but they’re also a crucial tool for remote workers. A reliable VPN creates secure connections between devices and networks by encrypting internet traffic. This hides web activity from prying eyes, protecting your employees’ online privacy, and mitigating the risk of hackers stealing company information.

Patch your software regularly

Although installing software updates can be a major nuisance, they cover critical weaknesses and protect your systems from the latest threats. Most apps now offer an automatic update feature so you don’t have to manually patch your software.

Another option for your business is patch management software. These track patches on employee devices and distribute the most recent updates on a company-wide scale.

Set up firewalls and antivirus software

Make sure to enable firewalls in your operating systems and hardware. These provide a strong layer of protection between your device and the internet, preventing malicious programs and other network threats from reaching your device. Your managed IT services provider (MSP) may also provide third-party firewalls in case your computers don’t have any built in by default.

In addition to firewalls, you’ll also want to implement antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious programs that do manage to find their way onto your device. Just remember to constantly update the software so it can effectively detect the newest malware.

Secure home routers

Home Wi-Fi routers are not as thoroughly secured as their business counterparts so take extra precautions to safeguard them. For starters, change your router password as soon as possible because hackers can easily break into them once they know the router model. You should also install the latest firmware updates to eliminate any security vulnerabilities.

Finally, check whether your router has Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption settings to secure inbound and outbound traffic. If your router doesn’t have this setting, you’re overdue for an upgrade.

Back up your data

Important files must be backed up regularly in the cloud and your external hard drive. This way, you’ll always have a copy of your files in case of a major data loss incident like ransomware or a power outage.

Watch out for online scams

The biggest threat remote workers face is online scams. Phishing emails may entice you with free coronavirus test kits in exchange for personal information. Some cybercriminals may even masquerade as legitimate companies, CEOs, or friends to trick you into clicking on dangerous links and attachments.

To avoid these threats, you must be critical of everything you see online. Look for any suspicious links and attachments, grammatical errors in the email body, and misspelled email addresses. Plus, never give out sensitive information to an unsolicited email, text message, or phone call.

Working from home poses many cybersecurity challenges for businesses, but you don’t have to address them alone. If you need guidance with setting up firewalls, avoiding scams, and even enabling MFA, we can provide the IT support you need in this difficult time. Call us now.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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