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Handy tips to declutter your Windows 10 PCIf your computer is cluttered with unused apps, error logs, and bloatware, it’s not going to run optimally. This, in turn, could slow you down at work and bring down your productivity. Fortunately, decluttering your computer is easy — just follow these tips. 5 Types of PC clutter There are five types of clutter that […]

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Handy tips to declutter your Windows 10 PC

If your computer is cluttered with unused apps, error logs, and bloatware, it’s not going to run optimally. This, in turn, could slow you down at work and bring down your productivity. Fortunately, decluttering your computer is easy — just follow these tips.

5 Types of PC clutter

There are five types of clutter that may be causing your Windows 10 computer to run more slowly than it should.

  • Windows updates – This includes failed update downloads. While Windows will delete some of these corrupted and unusable files, others will hang around your computer forever if you don’t look for and delete them.
  • Registry bloat – This type of PC clutter includes files and applications you’ve deleted as well as every action performed in Windows, which is recorded in your computer’s registry.
  • Error logs – These are log files kept by Windows whenever software in your system crashes or encounters errors in processing. Just like registry bloat, error logs accumulate in your computer over time, slowing it down considerably.
  • User bloat – This refers to large numbers of your files, especially if they’re unorganized.
  • Bloatware – This refers to unwanted preinstalled software such as trial versions of antivirus programs, games, and the like. Bloatware takes up plenty of space in your computer’s central processing unit, random access memory, and storage. What’s more, it poses a raft of security risks; for instance, it can introduce apps designed to exploit personal information stored in computers.

How to remove PC clutter

To remove these five types of clutter and optimize your PC’s performance, try these methods:

Run Disk Cleanup
Windows has a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that removes hidden junk files. To run this tool, type “disk cleanup” in the search box on the taskbar, and select Disk Cleanup from the results. Pick the drive you want to clean, then click OK. Under “Files to delete,” select the file types you want to get rid of, then click OK.

Delete programs you don’t use or need
Free up memory and storage space by removing unused and redundant programs that you rarely use or don’t need. To do this, type “add or remove programs” in the search box on the taskbar, and select Add or remove programs from the results. Click on the files you’d like to remove, then click Uninstall.

If necessary: Refresh Windows 10
You can start fresh with a clean and up-to-date Windows 10 installation to get rid of clutter. This option will remove most installed apps (e.g., Microsoft Office, antivirus software, etc.) but it will keep your personal files and some Windows settings. However, it’s still best to back up your files before installing a fresh version of Windows 10.

To do this, type “recovery” in the search box on the taskbar and select Recovery Options. Under “More recovery options,” click Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows. Click Yes in the pop-up window that says, “Did you mean to switch apps? Settings is trying to open Windows Security.” This will launch the Windows Security app where you can click Get started to begin the Windows refresh process.

These are just some of the ways you can enhance your Windows 10 PC’s performance and get the most out of it. For more useful Windows tips, give our experts a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you need to knowUsing keyboard shortcuts activate computer commands faster than dragging a mouse. If you’re using Windows 10, you may want to try out the following keyboard shortcuts. Snap If you’ve never used Snap, then you’re missing out on one of Windows 10’s key features. Snap allows you to put two to four windows side by side, […]

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Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you need to know

Using keyboard shortcuts activate computer commands faster than dragging a mouse. If you’re using Windows 10, you may want to try out the following keyboard shortcuts.

Snap

If you’ve never used Snap, then you’re missing out on one of Windows 10’s key features. Snap allows you to put two to four windows side by side, making it easier to compare documents or do two things at the same time. You can use Snap with these keyboard shortcuts:

  • Windows Key + Left – Snaps the current window to the left side of the screen
  • Windows Key + Right – Snaps the current window to the right side of the screen

You can also select a snapped window and press Windows Key + Up/Down to move it to your desired corner of the screen.

Task View

This window management feature allows you to see all of your opened windows and browser tabs so you can quickly return to a specific program, document, or web page. This is particularly useful if you have multiple windows open at once.

You can access Task View by clicking on its button on the taskbar or using these keyboard shortcuts:

  • Windows Key + Tab – Opens the Task View interface with windows from your current desktop
  • Alt + Tab – Switches between open windows and browser tabs on all virtual desktops
  • Ctrl + Alt + Tab – Functions similarly to Alt + Tab but the thumbnails stay on the screen even after you release all the keys

Virtual Desktop

This nifty feature enables you to create a new desktop that can display different open windows and apps. You can dedicate virtual desktops for certain functions. For instance, one virtual desktop could be used solely for work and another one for entertainment.

You can quickly manage your virtual desktops using the following keyboard shortcuts:

  • Windows Key + Ctrl + D – Opens a new virtual desktop
  • Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 – Closes the current virtual desktop
  • Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right – Switches to the virtual desktop on the left or right

If you’re looking for more time-saving technology tips or have any questions about how Windows 10 can help streamline your operations, just give us a call. Our IT experts are more than happy to assist you.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Hosted Microsoft Exchange: What you need to knowMany businesses rely on at least one server — typically Microsoft Exchange — to host their email platform. Some companies, however, don’t have enough room on-site for a server. Hosted Exchange solves this dilemma. Let’s take a closer look at how it can help your business. What is Microsoft Exchange? Microsoft Exchange is a messaging […]

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Hosted Microsoft Exchange: What you need to know

Many businesses rely on at least one server — typically Microsoft Exchange — to host their email platform. Some companies, however, don’t have enough room on-site for a server. Hosted Exchange solves this dilemma. Let’s take a closer look at how it can help your business.

What is Microsoft Exchange?

Microsoft Exchange is a messaging system that offers businesses various services, such as email, calendar, task management, address lists, and more. By integrating Exchange into your business processes, you can access all of these services from any location, on almost any internet-connected device.

Many companies that purchase Exchange install it on on-premises servers. This setup can be costly, especially for small businesses. Moreover, the server needed to host it can take up a significant amount of physical space. This is why other companies prefer to operate on cloud-based systems.

What is hosted Exchange?

To meet the demands of various businesses, many IT services providers started offering hosted Exchange. In this setup, your IT provider allocates some space on one of their servers. They then install Microsoft Exchange in a space accessible only to your company, over an internet connection. The provider is in charge of ensuring that the data stored is secure and accessible to you at all times. Some hosted Exchange providers also offer extra features like improved security, full-time management, and data backup.

In other words, hosted Exchange is the cloud-based version of Microsoft Exchange. You and your employees will still be able to access hosted Exchange as if it were installed on an in-house server.

Benefits of hosted Exchange

Companies looking to integrate hosted Exchange into their business can enjoy the following benefits:

  1. Predictable and lower costs
    Like many other hosted services, the majority of hosted Exchange services are offered on a monthly, per-user basis, inclusive of hosting and maintenance. This makes costs predictable as you’ll be paying a fixed fee.Hosted Exchange also lowers overall costs. If you calculate the cost of purchasing a new server, Microsoft Exchange, and supporting infrastructure, plus maintenance fees, the total and per-user cost will add up quickly. For many small businesses, paying a fixed monthly fee will be far more cost-efficient than hosting a Microsoft Exchange solution in-house. What’s more, you save money on future expenses such as hardware replacements and new software licenses.
  2. Easier implementation
    Implementing Microsoft Exchange in your office would require you to allocate physical space for the server and to install the server and Microsoft Exchange. On top of this, you also have to manage Exchange and add new accounts and users. In case the service goes offline, you’ll have to troubleshoot it yourself. But with a hosted Exchange solution, your IT partner will take care of hosting, management, and installation, so you can focus on more important business matters.
  3. Flexible solutions
    Growing businesses may find it difficult to scale up or down on an in-house Microsoft Exchange solution due to the server’s limited capacity. With hosted Exchange, you can simply contact your provider whenever you need to adjust your server requirements. The hosted Exchange provider can also help scale your solutions in case you move offices.

Looking to learn more about hosted Exchange and how your business can benefit from it? Talk to us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Why healthcare companies need mobile device managementAs mobile devices become more instrumental to healthcare organizations, it’s becoming even more difficult to keep track of all devices connecting to company networks. With mobile device management (MDM), IT staff in healthcare will have an easier time watching over company-registered devices. Read on to learn more about the advantages of MDM. Compliance Governments have […]

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Why healthcare companies need mobile device management

As mobile devices become more instrumental to healthcare organizations, it’s becoming even more difficult to keep track of all devices connecting to company networks. With mobile device management (MDM), IT staff in healthcare will have an easier time watching over company-registered devices. Read on to learn more about the advantages of MDM.

Compliance

Governments have established several regulations, such as HIPAA, to protect patient records, but mobile devices are posing a major challenge to these regulations. If companies violate the rules, they can be penalized with a fine as high as $1.5 million.

The largest compliance risk associated with the use of mobile devices is data leakage. The most common example of this is an employee keeping sensitive data or footage in his or her phone and then uploading it on social media. MDM mitigates this risk by allowing system administrators to set access and usage restrictions for data and applications so employees comply with the company’s security policies.

Cost-effectiveness

Many practices are adopting bring your own device (BYOD) policies, encouraging employees to use their own tablets, computers, and smartphones for work. MDM solutions make it possible for IT administrators to remotely monitor and control these devices. But more importantly, organizations benefit from the reduced overhead and hardware costs, since they don't have to purchase the devices for their staff.

Better device security

As long as the systems administrator uses MDM, it will be a challenge for hackers to gain access to any confidential information, regardless of where in the hospital the device is. The best MDM applications can encrypt files in a portable device and distinguish corporate data from the employee’s personal information. In the event that the employee leaves the company, the MDM software will remove corporate data on their devices, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access to protected health information. Meanwhile, if the device is lost or stolen, the MDM software can be used to fully wipe the device remotely.

Company-wide updates

One of the biggest challenges of mobile devices is it’s often difficult to keep software updates consistent throughout the company. What’s worse is that employees may put off updates because they’re on a tight schedule. However, these updates are essential in defending against the latest threats.

MDM addresses these problems with company-wide updates. When a security patch is available for business software, MDM makes it easy to track which devices are still vulnerable and lets system administrators automatically administer updates. This way, companies can secure any vulnerabilities in company-registered devices from a central location.

No changes to infrastructure

MDM applications will not demand a change in the Wi-Fi infrastructure of an organization, but if the system cannot handle all the devices logged in to the network, the support team will have difficulties managing all medical applications and individual devices. If a hospital has a strong wireless network, then there will be no need to make changes to the system.

These are just some of the advantages to having MDM in the healthcare industry. If you need more information on MDM, or if you have other technical concerns, feel free to get in touch with us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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