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Microsoft released security updates for all versions of Windows

Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world, and for this reason it is also the most frequently targeted platform for hackers. In an attempt to shut down cyber criminals before they can exploit vulnerabilities, Microsoft recently rolled out a new security patch that fixes several known bugs for all versions of Windows.

The post Microsoft released security updates for all versions of Windows appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Microsoft released security updates for all versions of Windows

Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world, and for this reason it is also the most frequently targeted platform for hackers. In an attempt to shut down cyber criminals before they can exploit vulnerabilities, Microsoft recently rolled out a new security patch that fixes several known bugs for all versions of Windows. Read on to find out more about the update.

Windows Search

Microsoft discovered a flaw that hackers could remotely exploit to take full control over an affected computer. The hacker could then install programs, view, change or delete data, and create new accounts with full user rights. The August security updates address the vulnerability by fixing how your computer's memory interacts with Windows Search objects.

Windows Hyper-V

Another critical vulnerability is tied to Windows Hyper-V, a virtualization program. This flaw can be exploited when a server fails to properly verify an authenticated user from a virtual desktop.

For example, cyber criminals could exploit the vulnerability by running a malicious application on a guest operating system and cause the server to malfunction. The latest patch plugs the hole by correcting how Hyper-V validates guest operating system user input.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft security specialists revealed that the Edge browser is exposed to a remote memory-corruption vulnerability. Hackers can exploit this by luring an unsuspecting user to open a fake website that contains malicious programs. The new security update addresses the issue by modifying how Microsoft Edge handles objects in memory.

These are just a few examples of the critical vulnerabilities addressed in the August updates. In total, Microsoft patched 48 vulnerabilities in six of its main product categories, including Windows, Internet Explorer, Edge, SharePoint, Adobe Flash Player, and SQL Server. If you're interested in all the security updates, check out Microsoft's official Security Update Guide.

As a Windows user, you’re probably used to seeing pop-up messages that implore you to install a new Windows update. Take heed: These patches and updates cost you nothing and can be installed in a matter of minutes. All you need to do is give your consent with a couple of mouse clicks, so there really is no excuse for not updating.

It’s important to update to the latest Windows version to ensure your computer and data are safe from security threats. If you have any questions about Windows updates or need help scheduling them, get in touch with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Move over IE, Hello Microsoft Edge!

Not all Windows users are fans of Internet Explorer, and not all Mac users are crazy about Safari. But there's good news for Windows users: Windows 10 replaces IE with a brand new browser, Microsoft Edge. Here is a list of the key features you shouldn’t miss out on:

Import favorites
You can easily import the list of websites you've marked as favorites from any web browser to Microsoft Edge.

The post Move over IE, Hello Microsoft Edge! appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Move over IE, Hello Microsoft Edge!

Not all Windows users are fans of Internet Explorer, and not all Mac users are crazy about Safari. But there's good news for Windows users: Windows 10 replaces IE with a brand new browser, Microsoft Edge. Here is a list of the key features you shouldn’t miss out on:

Import favorites
You can easily import the list of websites you've marked as favorites from any web browser to Microsoft Edge. You can do this by going to the More actions tab (located right next to the address bar), then Settings, and clicking on the Favorites settings tab. From there, choose the pages you want to add to your favorites list and click Import.

Change font size in reading view
Even with your reading glasses on, a website’s font can be too small to read. Microsoft Edge allows you to adjust the reading view by going to Other actions and selecting the Settings tab. From there, scroll down and click on the Reading section that will allow you to adjust the font size and even brightness to your liking.

Make notes on the website
Ever wished you could write on, circle, or highlight specific parts of a website and share them with your friends? Microsoft Edge lets you do just that with its new note feature. Select Make a web note and use tools such as the ballpoint pen or highlighter, or add a typed note on the page you’re browsing. When you’re done, click Save or Share to complete the process.

Reading list
This feature allows you to save articles, e-books, or any other content you wish to peruse later. By signing in with a Microsoft account, your reading list will appear on all your Windows 10 devices. Select Add to favorites or reading list, and then Reading list > Add. You can also add a link to your reading list by right-clicking on any link without having to visit the page.

Ask Cortana
Microsoft Edge users can easily access Cortana, Windows’ voice-activated personal assistant since it is built into the web browser. Cortana can make dinner reservations, offer additional discounts on certain shopping websites, and download applications that you may find useful. Simply highlight a word, phrase, or image, press and right-click it, and then select Ask Cortana to get more information or find related images.

View and delete browser history
As you browse the web, Microsoft Edge remembers and stores the information you’ve entered into forms, passwords, and sites you’ve visited. Most of it will be stored on your PC; but if you use Cortana, some of the data will be stored in the cloud which will be used to better assist you.

If you need to delete cache history, you can do so by following either of these two methods:

  • View your browsing history at Hub > History, then select Clear all history. If you want to retain certain data, you can choose what to remove, then select Clear.
  • Since Cortana’s browsing history is stored in the cloud, select Change what Microsoft Edge knows about me in the cloud, then select Clear browsing history.

Switching from one web browser to another isn't always as smooth as it is made out to be. In order for users to make the most out of their time online, they require a period of adjustment. If you still have questions about making Microsoft Edge your default browser, get in touch with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Make use of your ancient computer

Do you remember the days when your computer was struggling to catch up with all the tasks you had at hand? We don’t blame you if you’ve already dumped your desktop for a slicker model, but in case you have one or more collecting dust in your storage room, here are some ways to make use of your ancient computers.

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Make use of your ancient computer

Do you remember the days when your computer was struggling to catch up with all the tasks you had at hand? We don’t blame you if you’ve already dumped your desktop for a slicker model, but in case you have one or more collecting dust in your storage room, here are some ways to make use of your ancient computers.

You might have to do some light upgrades like install more RAM and a bigger hard drive, depending on how old your PC is, but it’ll be worth it. Once you’ve done that, explore these options:

Try a lighter OS

While you might be tempted to install a new Windows or macOS on your old computer, they won’t work optimally without a fast processor. However, Linux-based operating systems, which come in a variety of options called “distros”, will make your computer feel brand new without exhausting its hardware.

Popular distros options like Ubuntu, elementary OS, and PinguyOS, can be easily installed, have similar interfaces as Windows, and come with a ton of software packages. The best part is they only require a minimum of 4GB of RAM, which means you won’t have to invest much at all.

Make a NAS server

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a server for your home or small business network that allows you to store files that need to be shared with all the PCs on the network. If your old PC has at least 8GB of RAM, you can use it to make your own NAS instead of purchasing one.

Simply download FreeNAS, a software accessible from any OS (Windows, MacOS, Linux) that enables you to make a shared backup of your computers. FreeNAS features access permissions and also lets you stream media to mobile OSes, like iOS and Android.

However, if you prefer turning your PC into a private cloud for remote access and data backup, Tonido is a great alternative. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, it turns your PC into a storage website so you can access files from anywhere on any device.

Tonido offers up to 2GB of file syncing across computers. There’s even Tonido apps for iOS and Android for mobile access.

Secure your online privacy

Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn your old computer into a dedicated privacy PC so you won’t have to worry about compromising privacy while browsing the web? With The Amnesic Incognito Live System (TAILS), you can.

This Linux-based software routes all your internet traffic and requests through TOR Project, a software that makes it extremely difficult for someone to track you online. All of TAILS’ integrated applications like web browser, Office suite, IM client, and email software, are pre-configured for robust security and privacy protection.

Take your media up a notch

If you’re looking for a way to listen to your music, podcasts, or watch videos on other PCs, or mobile devices, a server software like Kodi can help.

What it does is bring all your digital media together into one user-friendly package so you can use your old PC as an audio and video hosting platform. From there, you can play files on other devices via the internet. There are remote control apps for iOS or Android users and even an app for Kodi playback on the Amazon Fire TV.

Kodi works on any device running Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and even rooted Android and jailbroken iOS devices.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to help our clients make the most out of their technology investments. If you’d like to know more about how to utilize other hardware to your business’s advantage, give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: What’s new?

Microsoft is releasing the Fall Creators Update in September that promises an even better array of features. Windows 10 users can expect improvements to OneDrive file management, battery usage, ransomware protection, and more. We have rounded up some of the new and noteworthy features for business users.

The post Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: What’s new? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: What’s new?

Microsoft is releasing the Fall Creators Update in September that promises an even better array of features. Windows 10 users can expect improvements to OneDrive file management, battery usage, ransomware protection, and more. We have rounded up some of the new and noteworthy features for business users.

Files on-demand in OneDrive

‘OneDrive Files On-Demand’ solves syncing problems often encountered by those who don’t want all their files synced to all their devices. This feature will give users the option to choose the folders that will be downloaded to the device they’re using, which helps save storage space and bandwidth, and gives users more flexibility.

Greater protection from ransomware

Microsoft beefs up Windows 10 security by introducing ‘Controlled folder access,’ a welcome feature in an era of rampant ransomware outbreaks such as WannaCry and Petya. This security enhancement enables users to assign a ‘switch’ to applications. When the switch is turned on, users are alerted any time unauthorized applications attempt to access or modify files in protected Desktop, My Documents, My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos folders.

Enterprise-level threat prevention

The Fall Creators update will also feature ‘Windows Defender Exploit Guard,’ a threat prevention system that, in Microsoft’s own words, ‘helps make vulnerabilities dramatically more difficult to exploit.’ The platform is primarily intended to recognize and safeguard against brand new malware that has not been cataloged or analyzed by security professionals.

Microsoft will also introduce ‘Windows Defender Application Guard,’ a program that protects Windows 10 users by isolating and containing threats and malware within the Edge browser. For now, it will be available only to Windows 10 Enterprise Edition and Hyper-V users.

Both ‘guards’ will complement firewalls and antivirus software to provide comprehensive protection to data, programs, devices, and networks.

Easier to reach contacts

Windows 10 subscribers will also benefit from the ‘My People’ feature, which will enhance collaboration. This new feature will let users pin contacts from their contact list to the Start Bar for quick access to email, instant messaging, or video calling. To activate, launch the People program and click on the icon found in the taskbar’s notifications area. Contacts can be pinned only if they have the Windows 10 App open in their system.

Other essential enhancements

The Fall Creators Update will also introduce small yet essential enhancements that will prove highly advantageous to businesses, one of which is a bandwidth limiting capability. Using this feature, network administrators can limit the amount of bandwidth allocated for Windows updates, allowing them to manage the updates for all devices across an entire network.

To do this:

  • Go to Deliver Optimization > Advanced options
  • Tick any of the three sliders
  • Adjust download and upload settings: limiting bandwidth for downloading updates; uploading updates to other PCS on the internet; and adjusting monthly upload limit

A battery-saving function will also be introduced to the new Windows 10 via ‘Power Throttling,’ which determines the activities that the system should prioritize based on a user’s activity. For example, if a user has multiple apps open but is actively using only a photo-editing tool, the system will allot greater power resources to the most actively used app and minimal resources to inactive ones.

Are you maximizing your Windows-powered computers’ features and capabilities? Get in touch with our experts to explore what Microsoft products can do for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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