Technology Unwrapped

Creating a Technology LifeCycle Management (TLM) Plan is good way to plan ahead for technology upgrades that work within your budget process and your company needs. While TLM encompasses all hardware, software applications, and renewals of each, a PC Lifecycle Management (PCLM) plan is an aspect of planning small to midsize businesses need to have a handle on. There is no one right way to go about technology upgrades.  Working with many different companies, I have found that it is not a “one ...

For those of you that are not familiar with Skype for Business it is a communication app that lets you connect with fellow co-workers, business partners or clients in your company, around the United States or world. Skype is part of the Office 365 package and works with your other Office programs. Let’s explore six basic features of Skype Business. Instant Messaging -  The most basic function of Skype for Business is instant messaging which can be done within your business/organization or with ...

Do you lock your front door? I assume your answer is yes. Just as you lock your front door to keep intruders out and your valuables in, you should do the same to keep your company’s data secure. Your company’s version of a deadbolt is called a firewall and it is one of the best ways to keep your data safe. What is a firewall? A firewall is a security system that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and controls. It permits or blocks traffic based on predetermined security rules. ...

So how many of you watched the series CSI: Cyber before it was cancelled? Like many other detective dramas, they often talked about the “DARK WEB” (dramatic music playing in background). Sounds scary, right?? Then they throw in the term “Deep Web” to really confuse us. Although I have begun to grasp the idea of what the Dark Web is, there is still a bit of mystery to it. What I do know is that when my data was stolen from a large insurance firm I was told that my personal information was being ...

There are numerous ways owners and managers protect their company from security threats. Hopefully you recognize some of these security solutions which include: use of a commercial grade firewall, endpoint protection software, proper patching, updating software programs, and—last but not least—strong data backup.   All these security solutions are key to securing your network and data, however one task often ignored is employee education!  As an employer you will want to be certain your ...

Getting help with your email hangover. So you have just gotten home from a very relaxing, much needed vacation.  You feel great! The work tension in your body is gone. On Monday you walk into your office still thinking of the beautiful scenery you’ve just encountered. You turn on your PC, open Outlook and…POW. Relaxation is gone!! What seems like a thousand emails start piling up. Some of them are junk, some very important, and some are needed information to use later. You dread the thought of ...

So here we are on the verge of spring (thank goodness), and I do have to say this winter gave us some perilous drives to work. In fact, one so icy that my boss declared it a “work at home” day. I was relieved as I live on a hill that is not forgiving and there were no snow plows in sight! In years past, working from home would have not have been as productive as I had files and software that I need available to get my work done. Now, there are so many different avenues to tap to be productive ...

Isn’t it fun when a new gadget hits the market—one you can really use?! I wouldn’t normally highlight a new product release, however I know many of you are interested in the skinny on new gadgets built for business, so here it is… I sat in on a technology webinar conference today and they happened to have a Surface product release launch. I admit, I was impressed! Released with Windows 10 Pro installed, the Surface Pro 4 is slightly larger than the 3 at 12.3 inches, however thinner, lighter and ...

It’s exciting to receive a package in the mail with new products or deals I’ve found during some online shopping. So when I received an email about an undeliverable package to my work email address (and I was expecting a package, which was overdue), I almost didn’t think twice about it. And then, I began to wonder about the email address and was pretty certain I supplied my home email when ordering online.