Industry News - Part 257

Managing applications on-premise is expensive and inefficient. Today’s workforce is now more mobile than ever before, which is why businesses are investing in remote access solutions so their employees can access applications and documents whenever and wherever.

The post What is Amazon AppStream 2.0? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

28 Aug, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Uncategorized category

Managing applications on-premise is expensive and inefficient. Today’s workforce is now more mobile than ever before, which is why businesses are investing in remote access solutions so their employees can access applications and documents whenever and wherever. Amazon AppStream 2.0 is one such solution, and here’s why it’s worth looking into.

What is it?

Initially released in 2013, Amazon AppStream was created as a platform for remote access to digital resources to help businesses streamline the costly process of managing apps on-premises. Simply put, it streams desktop apps to users across various devices via a browser.

Today, Amazon AppStream 2.0 has been updated with major improvements thanks to user feedback. Now, you can stream desktop applications from Amazon Web Services to any device running a web browser compatible with HTML 5.

What can you do with Amazon AppStream 2.0?

You can run desktop applications on any device, including Windows, Linux, Macs, and Chromebooks. Amazon AppStream 2.0 features multiple streaming options, including the General Purpose, Compute Optimized, and Memory Optimized.

Everything is fully managed by Amazon and all your applications and data will be kept on Amazon Web Services. This means you can expect robust security like network firewalls, web application firewalls, secure streaming gateway, encryption in transit across all services, and the ability to isolate your applications for secure delivery.

You’ll always have access to the latest version of your applications and minimize the risk of compromising confidential data if your device gets lost or stolen, as data is stored on Amazon’s cloud infrastructure.

What other benefits are there?

Apart from mobile access to documents and applications, you’ll appreciate the simple user interface that allows you to upload files to a session, access and edit them, and download them when you’re done.

What’s more, Amazon AppStream 2.0 uses NICE DCV for high-performance streaming. This ensures secure and fast access to applications since NICE DCV automatically adjusts to network conditions.

Amazon AppStream 2.0 also supports delivery of high performance graphics applications from Amazon Web Services. This allows you to stream powerful graphics applications to a web browser on any desktop.

Last but not least, this remote access solution lets you scale up or down as needed and pay only for the streaming instances you use, and a small monthly fee per authorized user. There’s no upfront capital or premises infrastructure maintenance costs.

If your business mainly consists of a remote workforce or is planning to adopt remote work policies, Amazon AppStream 2.0 is one solid option. For other tips on how small- and- medium-sized businesses can leverage technology to improve efficiency and lower costs, give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post What is Amazon AppStream 2.0? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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..

25 Aug, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Web, Windows category

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.

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

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.

The post Make use of your ancient computer appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

24 Aug, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Windows category

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.

The post Make use of your ancient computer appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Google has revealed Android Oreo, the next major OS update. The software builds upon the success of Nougat, offering new features and upgrades to smartphones and tablets. If you have an Android device and want to know more about the Oreo update, here’s a quick rundown, including how to get it early.

The post Google unveils sweet new Android OS update appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

23 Aug, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Uncategorized category

Google unveils sweet new Android OS update

Google has revealed Android Oreo, the next major OS update. The software builds upon the success of Nougat, offering new features and upgrades to smartphones and tablets. If you have an Android device and want to know more about the Oreo update, here’s a quick rundown, including how to get it early.

Picture-in-picture mode
First of all, picture-in-picture mode is now built into Android OS. This means you’ll be able to view YouTube videos or Skype calls in a shrunken window while another app runs in the background. Android users with larger devices will certainly appreciate the ability to multitask.

Enhanced notifications
Google is also introducing another small quality-of-life improvement for Android users with bubble pop-ups and notifications. When a colored circle appears on the top right corner of an app’s desktop icon, users can long-press the app to see more details about the notification without running the app itself. This saves time and battery life.

Longer battery life
Speaking of battery life, Android Oreo is also optimized to help your charged-up phone perform longer by limiting the power and memory consumption of apps running in the background. This leaves much more computing resources for active apps.

Intelligent copy and paste
For those who like to do work on their phones, Google is adding machine learning to the old-fashioned copy-and-paste function.

For example, whenever you highlight an email address, Android Oreo will provide you a link to Gmail so you can quickly compose a message. Meanwhile, long-pressing an address will automatically provide a link to your Google Maps.

Faster boot time
Another major upgrade involves faster boot times. According to Google, Oreo will be able to start up software twice as fast as Nougat. If true, users with older Android devices will definitely notice a difference.

Release date
Like most Android OSs, Google will be pushing out updates in waves starting in late August 2017. Users with a Google Pixel, Nexus 5X or a Nexus 6P will be the first to receive the update once it’s officially released.

Unfortunately, those who use devices from third-party manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, HTC, and Huawei will have to wait a bit longer.

How to get it early
If you have Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, or any version of Google Pixel and can’t wait for the public release, you can always sign up to the Android beta program. Once you’ve enrolled, simply open your device settings, tap on About Device, and select Software Update to get a taste of Android Oreo.

Google will likely roll out more Android features in the next few months, so keep in touch with us to stay abreast of the latest updates.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Google unveils sweet new Android OS update appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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