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Buying antivirus software? Consider the following pointsYou probably didn’t need to worry about antivirus protection before. At the office, the IT department handled it. At home, your personal setup may not contain enough valuable information to warrant industry-strength. But because of the global pandemic forcing most of us to stay indoors, your home is now your office, too. If you’re looking […]

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01 May, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Security category
Buying antivirus software? Consider the following points

You probably didn’t need to worry about antivirus protection before. At the office, the IT department handled it. At home, your personal setup may not contain enough valuable information to warrant industry-strength. But because of the global pandemic forcing most of us to stay indoors, your home is now your office, too. If you’re looking to boost your antivirus software, keep the following in mind.

Not all antivirus software solutions are the same. If you’re considering getting one, you need to identify what you and your company needs. Then do your research among the available options in the market. Here are a few things to consider when you shop for antivirus software.

#1 Cost

There are free-to-use antivirus software products in the market, but they only offer basic protections that seasoned hackers can easily infiltrate. You’ll need to pay in order to upgrade and enjoy full protection. And there’s a danger that the free software contains adware, or that it collects data and sells them to third parties.

Nowadays, nothing’s for free. The good news is that protection need not be expensive. If you partner with a managed IT services provider like us, we’ll figure out the right protection based on your needs and budget.

#2 Speed and performance

Not long ago, antivirus software consumed a lot of computer memory and slowed down devices. But thanks to new technology, the problem of speed has been addressed. Still, antivirus performance should take precedence over speed. What’s the point of a fast computer if it’s vulnerable to hackers and malware?

#3 Compatibility with multiple devices

These days, most people use or own more than one device, such as smartphones and tablets. Look for antivirus software that can protect all your devices, regardless of software version or date of purchase. It’ll be inconvenient and expensive to have different security software per device.

#4 Comprehensive protection

Your antivirus should protect your devices from a wide variety of threats. These should include popular malware and phishing attacks, as well as malicious downloads, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, cryptojacking, and other damaging threats.

#5 Customer support and service

Take some time to learn more about the antivirus software manufacturer. Does the company have a solid reputation? Are they at the forefront of developing solutions against looming threats? Are they responsive to the changing cyberthreat landscape? And are they customer-driven? If they tick all the boxes, you’re sure that their products and services are worth your investment.

Cybersecurity is not a luxury but a necessity for all businesses. If you’re looking for the right antivirus protection, then let our experts help you. We’ll provide you with the robust security your devices and network need.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Get longer battery life with new MacBook featureApple is introducing a new feature with the new macOS Catalina 10.15.5 update. Called Battery Health Management, it is designed to extend your MacBook’s battery life by reducing the negative impact of overcharging. It maintains your MacBook’s battery life by preventing chemical aging on its battery. It does this by not charging your device all […]

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27 Apr, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Uncategorized category
Get longer battery life with new MacBook feature

Apple is introducing a new feature with the new macOS Catalina 10.15.5 update. Called Battery Health Management, it is designed to extend your MacBook’s battery life by reducing the negative impact of overcharging.

It maintains your MacBook’s battery life by preventing chemical aging on its battery. It does this by not charging your device all the way up to 100 percent, even if it says so on your laptop screen. Apple has not revealed how much of the charge the new feature will reduce, but promises that it won’t have any severe impact on your device’s battery life.

This strategy is not new nor is it unique to MacBooks. In fact, it’s something most modern phones are already doing. Even if you leave your phone to charge, it will avoid charging all the way to 100 percent until shortly before you wake it up. This is because too much charging wears your phone’s battery over time, leading it to lose power much faster the longer you use it.

Which MacBook models will have Battery Health Management?

The new feature is applicable to all MacBooks that support Thunderbolt 3, including MacBook Pro models from 2016 and later, and MacBook Air models from 2013 and later. It’s meant to be on by default, but you can turn it off on macOS’s power settings.

In any case, Battery Health Management may have different effects per user as various factors determine your device’s battery health and optimal performance. These factors include your device’s charging history and battery temperature.

If you’re worried about the feature gathering too much information from your MacBook, Apple has promised that all data is gathered and analyzed locally. The data will only be sent to Apple if you opt into it. Furthermore, all data will be kept confidential.

It will take a few more months to reveal the full impact of this new feature, but it’s a step in the right direction. Considering how people are now more dependent on their laptops because they’re working remotely, extending the battery life of MacBooks will boost their productivity.

What else can you do to extend your device’s battery life?

In addition to using the Battery Health Management feature, you can take these steps to keep your MacBook’s battery in good condition longer:

#1. Keep your software updated
Apple constantly releases updates designed to address issues and boost the performance of its devices. Simply updating to the latest MacOS version equips your MacBook with the latest upgrades to help improve its battery life.

#2. Avoid extreme temperatures
Although MacBooks are designed to perform well in different ambient temperatures, using and charging them in extreme heat or cold will damage their batteries. MacBooks function optimally at room temperature — anything below 10 degrees Celsius and above 35 degrees Celsius is detrimental. Even storing your device’s battery in such temperatures should be avoided.

#3. Be careful what case you use
During charging, certain case styles and materials can raise your MacBook’s temperature. As stated above, high temperatures are not optimal and will damage your device’s battery. If you notice your computer heating up during charging and while its case is on, take the case off. Refrain from using the case while charging in the future.

#4. Take the right storage precautions
If you are storing your MacBook and won’t be using it for some time, then taking the following precautions will help preserve battery life.

  • Keep your device’s battery half-charged. Draining its power completely or charging it fully prior to storage will result in battery issues.
  • Turn off your device during storage as keeping it on will gradually drain its power.
  • Keep your device in a dry environment with a temperature of less than 32 degrees Celsius.
  • If you’re not using the device for an extended period, take it out every six months and charge it to 50 percent.

Discover more ways to get the most out of your Apple computers by giving us a call today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Top qualities to consider when choosing a laptopIf you love working in your PJs in the comfort of your own bed, then you probably enjoy working from home. It’s not so great though if you’re stuck with a laptop that’s slow and inefficient. But don't worry, we have some recommendations to help you make a decision. Size – When it comes to […]

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24 Apr, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, remote work, work from home category
Top qualities to consider when choosing a laptop

If you love working in your PJs in the comfort of your own bed, then you probably enjoy working from home. It’s not so great though if you’re stuck with a laptop that’s slow and inefficient. But don't worry, we have some recommendations to help you make a decision.

  • Size – When it comes to your laptop weapon of choice, size matters. Of course, this depends on what you’ll be doing with it. If you’re a graphic designer, you might want to have a bigger display. However, if your work mostly entails writing, blogging, or doing reports, you probably need a standard-sized (11.6- to 15.6-inch) laptop.
  • Screen quality – For work, comfort is the main factor when it comes to screen quality since you’ll most probably be in front of your screen hours at a time. Fortunately, most laptops these days have full HD displays. A 1920x1080-pixel resolution (full HD) should be considered if you require plenty of space to line up windows and keep things in view.
  • Keyboard quality – The quality and functionality of a keyboard drive productivity. If you need to type long hours and want to avoid finger fatigue, you’ll want a keyboard that has a comfortable layout. Make sure the keys have adequate travel on the downstroke and quick responsiveness when you type.
  • CPU – By any given standards, Intel Core Processor offers the best performance, especially when it comes to multitasking and multimedia tasks. Core i3-based laptops are generally found in budget systems, while Core i5 makes up the majority of mainstream business computers. If you want top-of-the-line performance, a Core i7 or even Core i9 CPU is ideal for you.
  • RAM – More RAM allows for more applications to run simultaneously, and for data to be quickly accessible by the system anytime. Nowadays, 8 GB is recommended for most users. But if you're dealing with many applications and assets at any given time, consider 16 GB and above.
  • Storage – We recommend a solid state drive (SSD), as it offers a lot more speed than a hard disk drive when it comes to booting your system and loading programs. It also runs silently and can be installed without adding too much weight and bulk to the laptop.
  • Battery life – You might be plugged in the whole day since you’re working from home, but in the long run, it’s better to factor in the battery life of your laptop. Note that there are many variables that affect battery life such as screen resolution, brightness, number of applications running in the background. Look at the rating of the battery in watt-hours (Wh) or milliampere hours (mAh). The larger these digits are, the longer the battery can last.

Now that you know what to look out for when purchasing your new laptop, here are a couple of recommendations to get you started:

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are budget-friendly laptops that guarantee long battery lives and come with fast processors for web browsing and running productivity apps. They’re lightweight and compact, which is perfect for those times you need to move around or switch places in your home. In addition, Chromebook laptops usually have quiet and ergonomic keyboards. With its built-in Chrome OS, you can expect a faster and more secure laptop that will keep you working efficiently.

2-in-1 laptops

Lightweight laptops with a tablet touch screen allow for unparalleled flexibility and mobility. Most 2-in-1s also have HD displays backed by high-speed processors and integrated graphics to enhance your video conferencing experience. What's more, they're usually paired with a stylus, making them perfect for note-taking, photo editing, and other creative tasks.

Microsoft Surface laptop

Microsoft Surface laptops are considered top performers in the premium laptop market, as they offer great balance and portability. They handle general computing superbly with no slowdown and noise, even if you’re running 10 applications with plenty of tabs in your browser. Other great integrations include an excellent keyboard and trackpad and an ideal screen ratio that’s perfect for productivity tasks.

Apple MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro laptops are generally known for their safe and secure operating system, MacOS. They’re also popular for their powerful hardware that can run graphically intensive tasks. Plus, they can run other operating systems like Windows, UNIX, and Linux. If you need to do video editing, you can definitely take advantage of Mac-exclusive software like Final Cut Pro.

One of the most remarkable features that Apple MacBook Pro laptops boast of is the switch from the former butterfly-like keyboard to the more traditional scissor mechanism. The new keys offer better travel and they also feel soft and clicky. If you’re after a good blend of portability and performance, a MacBook Pro laptop is probably your best bet.

Any laptop is an investment, so you should know what to look for and what to consider. While it’s tempting to get all the great features, it’s still more important to have a laptop that’s reliable and that’s best suited for your needs, especially when you can’t afford to deal with hardware issues while working from home. Call us today to learn more.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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These signs may indicate your VoIP system is being hackedBecause of the wide array of benefits a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system offers, more businesses are ditching their traditional landline system in favor of this technology. However, like any piece of modern technology, VoIP systems are not immune from being exploited by cybercriminals. Here are the signs that might indicate that your VoIP […]

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22 Apr, 2020 / by Complete Technology Resources / in VoIP category
These signs may indicate your VoIP system is being hacked

Because of the wide array of benefits a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system offers, more businesses are ditching their traditional landline system in favor of this technology. However, like any piece of modern technology, VoIP systems are not immune from being exploited by cybercriminals. Here are the signs that might indicate that your VoIP system is being hacked.

#1 Redirection of internet searches to malicious sites

Being redirected to other — often potentially malicious — sites while performing an internet search is a telltale sign that your VoIP system is being hacked. Hackers may also install browser extensions and toolbars without your knowledge.

To keep your VoIP system safe from cybercriminals, always log out and when not in use.

#2 Irregularities in your call history

If you notice a consistent pattern of calls being made or coming from an unknown location or unfamiliar numbers, it's usually an indication that your VoIP system may be under attack. Ask for a detailed copy of your call logs from your service provider so you can identify calling patterns that will allow you to pinpoint any irregularities.

#3 Fake antivirus messages pop-ups

When you or your employees see pop-up messages that say your system is infected and needs to be scanned while your VoIP system is on, do not click on those messages. They may be a sign that a hacker has already infiltrated your system. It's best to have your system administrator or managed IT services provider (MSP) shut down the network so they can identify the source of the pop-up and scan your system for any malware.

#4 Webcams and microphones starting on their own

Webcams and microphones make VoIP phones better than traditional landlines, but cybercriminals can use these features to illegally enter your network. Hackers can use your VoIP's webcams and microphones to spy on your business, record conversations, and collect private information. If you notice your VoIP phone’s webcam and microphone behaving strangely, report it immediately to an IT specialist or your MSP to see if your VoIP system is being breached by a cybercriminal.

#5 Sudden increase in your VoIP bills

One benefit of having a VoIP system is a more affordable monthly bill compared to a landline service. So if you see a sudden spike in your monthly bill, it’s probably an indication that your VoIP system has been hacked. When cybercriminals infiltrate your VoIP network, they can make unauthorized calls to premium numbers without your knowledge.

To keep your VoIP network safe from cybercriminals, invest in good VoIP security solutions and educate your employees on cybersecurity best practices. For more ways on how you can protect your VoIP system, contact us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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