Business

How Businesses Continue to be Impacted by COVID-19

Business, Security, Technology
Businesses are facing a lot of uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic. As COVID-19 continues to spread, the only thing that seems certain is that it will continue to impact businesses, particularly the way they operate and use technology. Increased reliance on communications technology The need for remote interactions and stronger communications technology will inevitably continue to increase. Businesses are expected to immediately adopt things like 5G technology (where available) to enhance communication speeds and performance. Meanwhile, specific industries like healthcare will adopt technologies that optimize current processes. This includes using telehealth platforms that let healthcare providers diagnose and issue prescriptions remotely. To do that, they need systems that will efficiently facilitate consultations. Many companies have already shifted to remote work setups. Business leaders now and in the foreseeable future will use more platforms that efficiently facilitate collaboration with colleagues, … READ MORE »

Microsoft Office 365 is Now Microsoft 365 Business

Business, Cloud, Technology
Change can be difficult in business, but it can also usher in a new era of productivity and profitability. Microsoft is shooting for better ways to improve productivity and elevate data integrity with its new Microsoft 365 product. Name Change Microsoft has time and again shown that they are willing to make drastic changes to their products and services in the name of development. Their Windows 10 operating system (OS), for instance, is a far cry from its predecessor Windows 8. Microsoft made the jump from what they thought would be a revolutionary tile-based design in Windows 8 to a classic, ergonomically designed Windows 10. The tech giant has once again made drastic changes, this time to their award-winning line of productivity apps Microsoft Office 365. O365, as it was lovingly referred to for nearly a decade, is now the … READ MORE »

Business Intelligence (BI) is for Small Businesses Too

Business, Technology
Business Intelligence (BI) has conventionally been limited to big business; only they can afford pricey experts with specialist knowledge who can leverage BI’s value. But the rise of self-service BI tools has leveled the playing field, allowing small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to get in on the game too. And with SMBs now producing far greater volumes of data than in the past, there’s never been a better time to put BI to use in your organization. Here’s what you need to know about BI. You’ve already got the data you need It’s easy to underestimate the amount of data your SMB already has at its disposal. In every area of your business, from finance and sales to customer relations and website management, the software packages you use to simplify your everyday operations are packed with reams of information that … READ MORE »

Protect Your Business Data in the Cloud

Business, Cloud, Security, Technology
Though touted for its increased security, the cloud isn’t 100% safe from data breaches. A small- and medium-sized business has to be proactive with data security, even in the cloud, or it risks costs tied to lost business, damaged reputation, and regulatory fines. Make sure you’re securing your business data in the cloud with the following steps. The cloud opens up some great benefits for businesses and is here to stay. However, as with all technology advancements, you need to also be aware of its vulnerabilities and security issues. If you want to proactively prevent data security breaches in the cloud, then here are five tips to follow: Know your cloud apps: Get a comprehensive view of the business readiness of apps. Ask questions like: Which ones render you more or less prone to a breach? Does an app encrypt … READ MORE »

A Brief Guide to Keeping Computers Physically Clean

Business, Personal, Technology
A clean work PC not only encourages employees to work harder, but it also prevents glitches and downtime linked to poorly maintained hardware. Clean PCs contribute to immaculate workspaces, which can positively affect employee morale and company reputation. Here’s how to clean your computers. Cleaning desktop monitors Employees spend many hours looking at their computer monitors, and a clean monitor makes it easier for them to do their tasks. The best way to clean your monitor is to turn it off first and gently wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth. If there are still spots, try dipping the cloth in a tiny bit of water — make sure you don’t spray water onto the screen. Don’t press too hard on the screen, as this could damage your monitor’s pixels. Also, it is not a good idea to use paper … READ MORE »

Reduce Your PC Power Consumption

Business, Personal, Technology
There’s a computer in almost every home and office nowadays. A typical desktop that’s switched on 24/7 for a whole year releases carbon dioxide equivalent to what an average car releases in an 820-mile drive. To save energy, you don’t need to make drastic changes; you can start by making small adjustments that will ultimately lead to significant savings. 1. Disconnect your external devices Devices that connect to your PC such as printers, headphones, and webcams consume power, too. That’s why you should disconnect or remove these devices from your PC when you are not using them. 2. Use a smart strip, especially for computers you cannot turn off A smart strip is a series of several electrical outlets in one strip, with circuits to monitor and maximize your gadgets’ power consumption. It can electronically unplug any device so that … READ MORE »

A Smart Approach to Cybersecurity Investment

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
Cybersecurity is a threat to businesses across industries. Sometimes, organizations invest in security software without realizing the risks that come with it. Here are compelling reasons why identifying threats before buying cybersecurity products is paramount. Uncover threats and vulnerabilities Every business should run a risk assessment to evaluate its current cybersecurity infrastructure. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to identify, correct, and prevent security breaches. After discovering potential issues that cyberterrorists could exploit, rate them based on probability of occurrence and potential impacts on your business. Keep in mind that risk assessments are specific to every business, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach for technology that will work for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Variables like your line of business and operating environment will account for differences in needs and risks. For instance, manufacturing companies and insurance groups … READ MORE »

Protecting Your Android Phone From Malware

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
As a smartphone user, you should be just as concerned about your phone’s security from malware as you are about its physical safety. Malware and other forms of cyberthreats are becoming more and more common in smartphones and ignoring them can lead to disaster. Mobile malware MO Mobile malware can be just as harmful to a business’s network as infected desktops and laptops are. Potential problems include overcharges on phone bills, stolen data, intercepted messages, phishing attacks, and fake notifications to one’s contact list. Most examples of malware come from applications downloaded from third-party app stores. These give hackers access to passwords, user account information, and other sensitive personal data. Since many business users link their Android devices to each other, malware could transfer across multiple devices with ease. Who is responsible? The burden doesn’t fall solely on smartphone users. … READ MORE »

Use These Windows 10 Tips to Boost Your Productivity

Business, Personal, Technology
Windows 10 is full of useful features, and more are added every time Microsoft releases an update. If it’s been a while since you’ve familiarized yourself with the operating system’s capabilities, you could be missing out on a game-changing enhancement. We’ve created a list of our favorites. Night Light This feature lets you reduce the amount of blue light emitted from your screen, which reduces eye strain and boosts sleep efficiency. Night Light is disabled by default, so you need to enable it by following these steps: Click the Start Menu Open the Settings app (or press the Windows key + I to quickly open Settings) Select the System icon followed by the Display option in the left-hand pane Set Night light to “On” or “Off” Taskbar pin It takes only a few seconds to open a browser and enter … READ MORE »

TECHLINQ – COVID-19 Update: Now More Than Ever, Proper Security, and Technology Support is Key

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
Written by: Anton Ruighaver, COO – TECHLINQ With the recent Coronavirus situation sending a shockwave through the world, many businesses are facing unprecedented uncertainty. Companies that were thriving are seeing a sudden and significant decline in their overall revenue, while businesses operating with thin margins are fearful of having to shut the doors permanently. Unfortunately, this is completely out of our control, and is the landscape we’re facing. I am devastated for those companies that have been forced to close due to new government stipulations imposed to stop the spread of the virus. Based on my observations to date, it seems that of businesses that remain open, few are actually addressing the situation in a thoughtful and logical manner. I’ve heard countless stories of small companies immediately laying off their entire staff, or a large majority of it. Others that … READ MORE »