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Optimizing your Android tablet experienceMore businesses are relying on Android tablets, especially those with staff who are mobile or away from the office. However, there are many business owners and managers who have trouble managing these Android devices. So, to help, we have created a brief guide on the do’s and don'ts of using your Android tablet at the […]

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Optimizing your Android tablet experience

More businesses are relying on Android tablets, especially those with staff who are mobile or away from the office. However, there are many business owners and managers who have trouble managing these Android devices. So, to help, we have created a brief guide on the do’s and don'ts of using your Android tablet at the office.

Do:

  • Use separate profiles – Recent versions of Android allow you to set up multiple accounts on one device. This means you can have a personal account and a work account on the same device without the two crossing over. Each account can be protected with a unique password and has its own apps and layout, an ideal setup for staff who use their personal devices for work.
  • Pick responsibly – Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, and with different versions of the operating system. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research before you buy one for your business. Take the time to try and identify what you will be using the device for, what features you would like, and most importantly, if the device is compatible with your existing systems. We strongly recommend going with one of the big-name brands like Google, Samsung, or Asus.
  • Develop a usage and management plan – Before you integrate the device into your system, plan ahead for how the device will be used and managed. Will each employee be in charge of managing their own device, or will your IT partner manage the devices for you? Develop a list of approved apps for work, including important ones like email and messaging. Then, make sure employees are trained to use these business apps properly and securely.
  • Look into accessories – One common factor many businesses forget to look into when implementing Android devices is the numerous accessories available for tablets. In order to extend the life of the devices, it is a good idea to get protective cases and screen covers. Also, look and see whether or not the device you have chosen has a removable battery or SD card. If it does, you may want to invest in extra batteries and cards.

Don't:

  • Skimp on security – As Android tablets become more popular, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. You must mandate security measures on all devices. This includes an antivirus scanner and daily check for app updates. Also, educate staff on how to spot fake apps, how to enable secure browsing on the web, and why they should avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Allow third-party app stores – Android is an open-source operating system, meaning you can install apps from almost any location. This has resulted in many third-party app stores (stores not run by Google) popping up. Some of these stores host a wide array of apps, including ones that may contain malware. To keep your business safe, prevent employees from installing apps from third-party stores, and only allow apps that have been thoroughly vetted on Google Play.
  • Worry about fragmentation – Yes, Android is very fragmented — devices are running different versions of Android. While this may seem like a big deal, it doesn't have to be. We recommend limiting your tablet purchase to those with the most recent version of Android. Once you get used to the tablet, the issue of fragmentation will usually disappear, especially if everyone in the office is on the same version.

If you are looking for help in selecting and managing an Android device for your office, contact us today. We have a team of Android experts who can support you at any time.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Optimizing your Android tablet experience appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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10 Important virtualization termsVirtualization — the process of creating a software version of a hardware component such as a server — is one of the most beneficial tech solutions for small organizations. For many business owners and managers, however, this is a vastly complex concept that comes with some pretty heavy jargon. To help, we have come up […]

The post 10 Important virtualization terms appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

10 Important virtualization terms

Virtualization — the process of creating a software version of a hardware component such as a server — is one of the most beneficial tech solutions for small organizations. For many business owners and managers, however, this is a vastly complex concept that comes with some pretty heavy jargon. To help, we have come up with a glossary of 10 virtualization terms every owner, manager, and employee should be aware of.

1. Virtual machine (VM)

You will often hear virtualization experts discuss the term VM. What they are talking about is the virtual machine. VMs are essentially virtual representations of the computer on your desk. They can do everything a physical machine does, only everything is virtual and usually delivered over a network connection.

Because VMs are software-based, you can often run more than one VM on the same physical machine. This could be two separate versions of Windows running at the same time, or even running a different operating system (OS), say Windows on your MacBook.

2. Virtual server

A virtual server is a specific type of VM running in a virtual environment. A common setup many offices use is to have one physical server on-site. This server hosts separate virtual servers that, in turn, host different services like email, networking, and storage, among others.

Other businesses choose to rely completely on virtual servers. This is where another company hosts the servers delivered to you over the internet. This way, virtual servers appear to be present on the network just like physical ones.

3. Virtual desktop

Much like the virtual server, the virtual desktop is a specific type of VM. In this case, it is a virtually delivered version of an operating system like Windows, Linux, or even macOS.

Since the advent of virtual desktops, the idea that companies have to limit a machine to its OS has become irrelevant. For example, if you own a Mac and need to access a Windows-based program, you could set up a virtual desktop that runs Windows.

4. Hypervisor

The hypervisor is essentially a small OS that enables virtualization. It takes physical hardware resources and combines them into a platform delivered virtually to one or many users.

5. Host system

The host system, also referred to as the parent, is where the physical hardware and software are installed. These physical components are then copied by the hypervisor and delivered in a virtual state to the user. If you are creating a virtual desktop environment, then the host system will have the desktop’s OS installed on it, along with the necessary software.

6. Guest system

The guest system, also referred to as the child, is where the VM is accessed. From the example above, the OS installed on the host machine is replicated by the hypervisor and the copy is then delivered to the user.

The user can interact with the OS just as they would with the physical host machine, because the guest system is an exact copy of the host. The guest machine, in contrast, is virtual instead of physical.

7. Virtual Infrastructure

By combining a bunch of different types of VMs together into one solution such as hardware, storage, desktops, and servers, a virtual infrastructure is formed.

This is ideal for organizations looking for an entirely virtualized solution. In this setup, the whole IT infrastructure is virtualized and combined into one solution. Many companies look for a solution like this because it reduces the need for on-premises hardware, while making it easier for an IT partner to manage.

8. P2V

P2V, or physical-to-virtual, refers to the act of migrating a physical system to a virtual one. A common example is the merging of physical servers into a virtual environment hosted on one server.

9. Snapshot

A snapshot is an image of the state of the virtual machine at a specific point of time. This includes all of the data, configurations, and even windows or programs open at that certain moment. Snapshots are like the save button on video games — they save your progress. When you next load up the VM, your data, programs, and configurations will be right where you left them.

Snapshots are also kept in case something goes wrong with the VM. Then, you can easily revert back to an older snapshot, one that was taken before the problem occurred.

10. Clone

The action of taking one VM and creating an exact copy that can be used by another computer or user.

If you are looking to learn more about virtualization, contact us today to see how we can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Make iPhone text messages more privateYou must take digital privacy seriously, regardless of whether you’re a business owner, managing director, IT manager, or senior staff member. When it comes to iPhones, there are three device settings that are particularly important when protecting the privacy of your messages. Turn off message previews How many times per day do you leave your […]

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Make iPhone text messages more private

You must take digital privacy seriously, regardless of whether you’re a business owner, managing director, IT manager, or senior staff member. When it comes to iPhones, there are three device settings that are particularly important when protecting the privacy of your messages.

Turn off message previews

How many times per day do you leave your iPhone unattended, sitting face up for any passerby to see? It sounds harmless, but that’s all it takes for the wrong person to glimpse a confidential message. Here are steps to prevent this from happening:

  • Open your iPhone’s Settings app
  • Select Notifications
  • Tap Messages
  • Disable the Allow Notifications option

With the preview setting turned off, you’ll be alerted to a new text message but will have to open the app to see the message contents.

Automatically delete texts

If you lose your phone or someone steals it, thousands of your conversations with your closest confidantes are up for grabs. The easiest way to prevent this nightmarish accident is to configure your iPhone to delete texts after a certain period of time has passed. Follow these steps for this additional security:

  • Open the Settings app
  • Tap Messages
  • Expand the Keep Messages section

From this window, you have options to automatically delete messages after 30 days, a year, or to keep them forever.

Turn off read receipts

When the word “Read” appears under a text message you’ve sent, that word is a read receipt. It lets you know you that the receiver of the text has opened your message. Sometimes it’s convenient, but it does clue people into what you’re doing.

To keep the people you text from seeing read receipts, choose Messages from within your Settings app and disable Send Read Receipts.

These three simple privacy measures will prevent countless awkward, problematic, and possibly dangerous situations. Want more iPhone tips or need a technology question answered? Don’t hesitate to give us a call today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Make sure you get the right EMR systemElectronic medical records (EMRs) digitally store a patient’s medical history and treatment. EMRs eliminate paper charts and allow patients to have a single electronic chart that can be accessed within one healthcare organization. It allows medical professionals to provide more efficient and precise care. To ensure that your healthcare facility is able to provide all […]

The post Make sure you get the right EMR system appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Make sure you get the right EMR system

Electronic medical records (EMRs) digitally store a patient’s medical history and treatment. EMRs eliminate paper charts and allow patients to have a single electronic chart that can be accessed within one healthcare organization. It allows medical professionals to provide more efficient and precise care. To ensure that your healthcare facility is able to provide all the benefits of an EMR system, consider these factors.

Determine your requirements

EMR software offers a vast selection of functions — and you don’t want to pay for one that is irrelevant to your practice. Avoid this by making a list of all requirements from the ground up. Be process-oriented and begin from patient admission, then move on to patient scheduling, medication lists, visual reports, and so on. Prioritize the features that would bring the most value to your practice.

Get the appropriate EMR for your specialty

EMR systems with broad functions may not offer the specific features that you need. On the other hand, the right EMR system can be customized to suit your specialties and provide a familiar workflow. For instance, doctors who specialize in midwifery will need a unique EMR platform designed for logging in a newborn’s medical details.

Simple usability

EMRs should help healthcare professionals manage their patients. Usability issues can hinder this, so how will you know if your EMR solution is easy to use? Try out the demo version and test a few common functions that will assist you in your everyday routine. You should be able to figure out how to use it more or less right away. You’ll also need your staff to be able to catch up quickly, so simplicity helps a lot when implementing a new system.

Support and upgrades

Reputable sellers usually provide 24/7 support, which is beneficial as most likely you’ll come across technical problems at some point. You never know when you might need someone ready to answer questions late at night. And when it comes to software, support often includes upgrades with new features and bug fixes. Find out more about your potential vendor’s track record in giving quality care and consistent software updates.

Vendor viability

Take into account your vendor’s plans for the future before buying their EMR product. You’re not just buying from your vendor, but you’re also creating a long-term relationship with them. Remember that technology is always changing, as are medical regulatory standards. Make sure that your vendor has good customer relations and that they have the ability to invest in future development. After all, EMR implementation can be costly and you don’t want to be making major changes to your EMR system every few months.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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