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What makes a keyboard greatJust like a new smartphone or car, new keyboard models can also garner “oohs” and “ahhs” from people. But novelty fades, and you may end up asking this question: What is the best one for me? Whether your keyboard is used for business or leisure, a great model will make a difference. When it’s time […]

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What makes a keyboard great

Just like a new smartphone or car, new keyboard models can also garner “oohs” and “ahhs” from people. But novelty fades, and you may end up asking this question: What is the best one for me? Whether your keyboard is used for business or leisure, a great model will make a difference. When it’s time to shop for a new keyboard, the following can help you make the right purchase.

Ergonomics

To keep carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury at bay, use an ergonomic keyboard. Such keyboards keep your hands in a neutral position while typing. Not only do these provide greater comfort, but they also reduce joint and tendon stress. This prevents inflammation and pricey surgical procedures. Ergonomic features range from simple padded wrist-rests to elaborate curved and sloped keyboards.

Connectivity

If your computer mouse can go wireless, your keyboard can too. Wireless ones are powered by batteries and normally connect to your computer via Bluetooth or a radio frequency, whereas wired models draw power and transmit typed input via a USB connection.

Your choice of keyboard will depend on what you’ll use the keyboard for. Gamers tend to prefer wired over wireless because they don’t have to deal with the lag and interference issues that the latter is prone to. On the other hand, people who like to switch locations or have to work remotely are likely to appreciate the portability of wireless keyboards. Some tablet users may find these to be more affordable or more pleasant to use than the keyboards specifically designed for their tablets.

However, even if your computer is at a fixed location, a wireless keyboard — together with a wireless mouse and wireless headset — is great for creating a clean and modern look. Most models can be connected to your PC via a 2.4-GHz wireless dongle that can also be used for cordless phones and Wi-Fi, providing connectivity to multiple devices at once. And if you have a large enough screen, you can lie on the couch and type from across the room.

The right type of key switches

This aspect of keyboard design is widely mentioned in reviews, yet many people overlook the importance of the type of switches used for individual keys. Although the intricate mechanisms that hide beneath the keys may not excite you, the difference you feel from each type will.

The three main types of key switches include silicone dome, scissor, and mechanical switches. Newer keyboards generally use silicone-dome switches, where two dimpled layers of silicone membrane form a grid of rubber bubbles that acts as the switch for each key. This requires you to press the key hard to type a letter, gradually diminishing its springiness and responsiveness over time.

The newer laptops and ultrabooks use scissor switches, which have a mechanical stabilizer for uniformity. Moreover, under each keycap is a plunger that allows for shorter key travel. This causes scissor switch keyboards to have a shallow typing feel, making them more durable than silicone dome switches.

What keyboard enthusiasts can’t get enough of are mechanical switch keyboards. Their advantages lie in the spring-loaded sliding keypost beneath each key. Several variations are available with slightly different sensations or sounds. Mechanical switches generally provide enhanced tactile feedback and have a clicking sound. Thanks to their sturdy switch mechanisms and durable springs, these keyboards last longer and can easily be repaired. Furthermore, each keystroke registers quickly, making them ideal for touch typists.

It won’t take long to examine your current keyboard and see how well it works. Do not settle for anything but the best. If you need help finding the right keyboard, email us or drop us a line. We’re more than happy to hear from you.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Choosing the ideal VoIP systemCommunicating with people via tablet, mobile phone, or laptop has never been easier. Thanks to progressively faster and more stable internet connections, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services have become a more accessible and cheaper alternative to conventional phone calls. Entrepreneurs have seen their potential, and are using VoIP technology to improve their communication strategy. […]

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Choosing the ideal VoIP system

Communicating with people via tablet, mobile phone, or laptop has never been easier. Thanks to progressively faster and more stable internet connections, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services have become a more accessible and cheaper alternative to conventional phone calls. Entrepreneurs have seen their potential, and are using VoIP technology to improve their communication strategy. If you're thinking of leveraging VoIP for your business, below are some of the things you need to know before subscribing to this particular service.

How much control over your network do you need?

There are several ways to implement VoIP technologies, with managed VoIP and hosted VoIP being two of the most preferred setups.

Managed VoIP means that your company is in charge of managing and maintaining an on-site VoIP system. While initial costs are generally greater due to hardware and maintenance fees, a managed VoIP system provides your business with more versatility and control over your network.

On the other hand, with hosted VoIP systems, you leave the cost of new hardware and the maintenance of the telecommunications network entirely to a third party. This also frees your company from the burden of having to monitor and update your own telecommunications technologies. For many small businesses, a hosted VoIP option is the more attractive choice since they only pay for the services they use, and initial fees tend to be lower.

Do you want to be more technically involved?

Deciding between a managed and a hosted VoIP system depends on your preferred level of involvement in the management and maintenance of your VoIP setup. Generally, companies with limited IT knowledge choose hosted VoIP, while those who have more resources to customize their own telecommunications networks prefer a managed on-site VoIP setup.

Have you considered mobile VoIP systems?

With VoIP systems, telephony is no longer bound to a specific phone network. Modern employees now have a multitude of communication tools to choose from, all of which can be accessed securely from anywhere, at any time. Choosing VoIP systems that offer mobile integration can allow your workers to join video conference calls and answer direct calls even when they are working from home.

Does your business intend to expand?

When choosing the right VoIP system, you have to make sure that the service provider can complement your company’s plans for growth. With so many mobile devices being developed, selecting a VoIP service that is compatible with the latest technologies can keep you ahead of the game.

Cloud-based solutions make scaling up easy, as your service provider will constantly update your telecommunications network for you. This means you never have to worry about your technology falling behind in functionality.

Did you check your internet connection?

Regardless of which VoIP provider you choose, a strong and stable internet connection is necessary to support your communications network. Before purchasing from a specific provider, you should find out if your company has a dedicated broadband or leased lines. While leased lines offer improved voice quality, opting for dedicated broadband services offer higher internet speeds.

How much does it cost?

To have an accurate estimate of how much VoIP will cost you, check the cost of the hardware and the installation of the service. Then, look at the provider’s fees for managing, updating, and maintaining your telecommunications system.

Also, make sure that a VoIP provider’s services meet your company’s communication needs. If the provider is offering a bundle of services that your company doesn’t need, then choose a different provider.

While picking and deploying a VoIP system can seem like daunting tasks, there’s no denying that VoIP technology brings in a host of business benefits. If you are planning to install a VoIP system, consider these factors to ensure you make the right decision. And of course, if you’re looking for a provider, our experts are happy to help you in any way possible.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Avoid these mistakes for a successful Microsoft 365 migrationWith over 200 million monthly active users worldwide, Microsoft 365 is a powerhouse in the productivity tools market. It combines all the products and services your team needs to get their jobs done efficiently. But for your organization to truly leverage the benefits of Microsoft 365, you must ensure a smooth migration by avoiding these […]

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Avoid these mistakes for a successful Microsoft 365 migration

With over 200 million monthly active users worldwide, Microsoft 365 is a powerhouse in the productivity tools market. It combines all the products and services your team needs to get their jobs done efficiently. But for your organization to truly leverage the benefits of Microsoft 365, you must ensure a smooth migration by avoiding these mistakes.

Not having enough bandwidth

Migrating your files and systems over to Microsoft 365 requires a large amount of bandwidth, which can result in slower internet speeds during the migration process. If the migration is carried out during business hours, you and your employees might struggle to do tasks online, such as sending emails and holding video conferences. To avoid this problem, schedule the migration after regular business hours or on a weekend.

Also, if you are already noticing slow speeds and service interruptions before deploying Microsoft 365, note that these issues will likely get worse after implementation. This is because Microsoft 365 services require a large amount of bandwidth. Ask your internet service provider to check your existing network connection to ensure that it can handle the migration and the day-to-day operations of Microsoft 365.

Lack of end-user involvement and buy-in

User involvement is key to the success of any IT project, including migrating to Microsoft 365. Make sure your end users know what to expect during every stage of the migration process. For one, let them know how long migrating to Microsoft 365 will take and how it will affect their tasks. Starting the migration without informing users that their files and email will not be accessible during the process can lead to productivity loss and resentment toward the new platform.

And to ensure you get your employees’ buy-in, train them on how to use the new platform. Introduce Microsoft 365’s apps and features, and explain how these can help them enhance their productivity and efficiency. This will ensure that everyone is familiar with the Microsoft 365 environment, preventing any disconnect or confusion, and pave the way for a seamless migration.

Rushing the process

While it’s tempting to try and migrate all your data at once, it would be foolish to do so. Successful migrations take months to plan, prepare, and execute. They are best done in stages. If you’re migrating your email accounts, for instance, it’s recommended that you move your emails to Exchange Online before gradually rolling out other apps. This way, all the data you need will be carried over to Microsoft 365 without any loss or corruption.

Stuffed mailboxes and large files

If your users have too many emails in their inboxes or have a lot of large files, the migration process could slow down significantly. Encourage your staff to archive their inboxes and delete large, unnecessary files to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

Outdated software

If your business is still using an older version of the Windows operating system (OS), such as Windows 7 or Windows XP, you’ll have trouble using Microsoft 365. The productivity suite works best with Windows 10, so if you’re planning to implement it, factor the cost, time, and effort it will take to upgrade your OS into your migration plan.

Doing the process yourself

On paper, migrating to Microsoft 365 seems like a simple and straightforward process. This leads many businesses to believe that they can do it on their own. However, without proper guidance from experts, you may run into problems that can harm critical business operations.

Ensure an error-free migration by partnering with us today. We'll show you the proper way of migrating your business’s systems to Microsoft 365 without affecting your day-to-day operations.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Firefox is a versatile and feature-rich browser, and there are worthwhile improvements with every new version. If you’re among those who prefer Firefox over other popular browsers like Google Chrome, use the following features to make your browsing experience even better. Customizable Firefox toolbar Choose which tools you want to see on your Firefox toolbar […]

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Firefox is a versatile and feature-rich browser, and there are worthwhile improvements with every new version. If you’re among those who prefer Firefox over other popular browsers like Google Chrome, use the following features to make your browsing experience even better.

Customizable Firefox toolbar

Choose which tools you want to see on your Firefox toolbar and maybe even discover new ones you haven’t heard of. Click on the menu button on the top-right corner and then click Customize. Drag and drop desired items onto the toolbar, which is located along the address bar near the top of the browser page.

Secret tweak interface

Catering to more tech-savvy users, Firefox’s secret interface gives you a peek behind the curtain into the world of coding. This helps you make adjustments to improve browser performance.

Primary password setup

If you want greater privacy over your Firefox browser, set up a primary password, pronto. The primary password (formerly called Master Password) acts as a key that unlocks all your passwords and information that could be detrimental if left exposed. To enable this function, click on Menu > Preferences > Privacy & Security, or type about:preferences#privacy directly in the address bar. Then check the box next to “Use a Primary Password” and follow the directions in the pop-up window.

Custom shortcuts

Mozilla has plenty of keyboard shortcuts, but you may prefer using shortkeys you’re already familiar with or ones that you use for other browsers. To create your own shortcuts, click on Menu > Add-ons and install the Shortkeys add-on.

URL autocomplete

Firefox’s URL autocomplete feature lets you type the name of a website without having to type in URL prefixes and suffixes (https://www, .com, etc.) in the address bar. If you’re logging on to Facebook, for example, just type in “facebook” in the address bar, press Ctrl + Enter (Mac: Command + Enter), and you’ll be redirected to Facebook.com.

Hardware acceleration

If your computer’s speed is fine but Firefox is slowing down (especially after comparing it to other browsers’ speed), it could be a problem with Firefox. To fix this problem, turn on hardware acceleration. Go to Menu > Preferences > General, scroll down to Performance, and untick “Use recommended performance settings”. Then, tick “Use hardware acceleration when available” and you’ll observe a noticeable difference in performance.

With every new version of Firefox, its features become smarter and more useful for business users. If you want to discover more ways to work more efficiently with better technologies, chat with our computer experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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