Do You Still Believe In These Common Tech Myths?

August 17, 2023

Is it okay to leave your smartphone charging overnight? Do Macs get viruses? And what about those 5G towers? What’s going on with those?

Common tech myths can often lead to misunderstandings. They can even hinder your ability to fully use various tools and devices.

Let’s debunk some of the most common tech myths that continue to circulate and explore the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Leaving your device plugged in overnight damages the battery

First is one of the most persistent tech myths. Leaving your device plugged in overnight will harm the battery life. But this myth is largely outdated.

Modern smartphones, laptops, and other devices have advanced battery management systems.

These systems prevent overcharging. Once your device reaches its maximum charge capacity, it automatically stops charging. So, feel free to charge your gadgets overnight without worrying about battery damage.

Myth 2: Incognito mode ensures complete anonymity

While incognito mode does provide some privacy benefits, they’re limited.

For example, it mainly prevents your device from saving the following items:
• Browsing history
• Cookies
• Temporary files

However, it does not hide your activities from your internet service provider (ISP). Nor from the websites you visit.

Myth 3: Macs are immune to viruses

Another prevalent myth is that Mac computers are impervious to viruses and malware. It is true that Macs have historically been less prone to such threats compared to Windows PCs. This does not make them immune.

It’s true that in 2022, 54% of all malware infections happened in Windows systems and just 6.2% happened in macOS. But as of January 2023, Windows had about 74% of the desktop OS share to Mac’s 15%. So, it turns out the systems aren’t that different when it comes to virus and malware risk.

The data shows the infection rate per user on Macs is 0.075. This is slightly higher than Windows, at 0.074. So, both systems have a pretty even risk of infection.

Myth 4: More megapixels mean better image quality

When it comes to smartphone cameras, savvy marketing sometimes leads to myths. Many people believe that more megapixels equal better image quality. This is a common misconception.

Other factors, in addition to megapixels, play a significant role, such as:
• The size of individual pixels
• Lens quality
• Image processing algorithms
• Low-light performance

A camera with a higher megapixel count may produce larger images. But it does not guarantee superior clarity, color accuracy, or dynamic range. When choosing a smart-phone or any camera, consider the complete camera system.

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , , ,

Protecting Your Small Business: IT Security Tips

April 21, 2023

Small businesses are increasingly reliant on technology to manage their operations. From storing customer data to conducting financial transactions, businesses of all sizes rely on information technology (IT) to keep their operations running smoothly.

However, this reliance on technology also makes small businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches. In this article, we’ll discuss some key IT security tips that small business owners can use to protect their companies from cyber threats.

Keep software up-to-date

One of the simplest ways to improve IT security is to ensure that all software is kept up-to-date. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and other issues that could be exploited by cybercriminals. By keeping software up-to-date, you can help to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect your company’s data.

Use strong passwords

Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your business’s digital assets. It’s important to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess or crack.

Passwords should be at least twelve to 16 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. To help remember passwords, consider using a password manager, which can generate and store strong passwords for you.

Limit access to sensitive data

Not all employees need access to all data. Limiting access to sensitive data can help to reduce the risk of data breaches.

Consider implementing a least privilege access model, where employees only have access to the data they need to perform their jobs. Additionally, consider implementing two-factor authentication, which requires a second form of identification beyond a password to access sensitive data.

Train employees on IT security best practices

Human error is a leading cause of cyber attacks and data breaches. Employees who are unaware of IT security best practices can inadvertently put your business at risk.

It’s important to train employees on IT security best practices, such as how to identify phishing scams, how to create strong passwords, and how to safely use company devices.

Implement a firewall

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls can help to prevent unauthorized access to your company’s network and data. Consider implementing a firewall to help protect your business from cyber threats.

Back up data regularly

Data backups are essential for protecting your business’s data in the event of a cyber attack or hardware failure.

Backups should be performed regularly and stored securely, preferably off-site or in the cloud. This can help to ensure that your business can quickly recover from a cyber attack or other data loss event.

Consider cyber insurance

Cyber insurance can help to protect your business in the event of a data breach or cyber attack. Cyber insurance policies can help to cover the costs associated with data recovery, legal fees, and other expenses related to cyber attacks. Consider consulting with an insurance professional to determine if cyber insurance is right for your business.

IT security is a critical component of small business operations. By implementing these IT security tips, you can help to protect your business from cyber threats and data breaches.

Protecting your business’s data is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and attention to detail. By staying up-to-date on IT security best practices and implementing robust security measures, you can help to ensure the long-term success of your small business.

If you have any questions about IT security or would like to discuss your business’s IT security needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: , ,

Make Your Chrome Browser Work Harder For You

March 20, 2023

Chrome is a popular web browser that many people use for browsing the internet. However, did you know that there are many ways to make your Chrome browser work harder for you? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Chrome experience.

Use extensions

Chrome has a vast library of extensions that can help you do everything from blocking ads to managing your tabs. You can find extensions for almost anything you need to do, and many of them are free. Some popular extensions include Adblock Plus, LastPass, and Google Translate.

To use an extension, simply download it from the Chrome Web Store and add it to your browser. Once it’s installed, you can access it by clicking on the extension icon in the top right corner of your browser.

Sync your data

Chrome has a handy feature that allows you to sync your data across multiple devices. This means that you can access your bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords from any device with Chrome installed.

To enable syncing, click on the three dots in the top right corner of your browser and select “Settings.” From there, click on “Sync and Google services” and turn on the toggle switch for “Sync.” You’ll then need to sign in to your Google account to enable syncing.

Use keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time and make your browsing experience more efficient. Some common Chrome shortcuts include:

  • Ctrl + T to open a new tab
  • Ctrl + W to close the current tab
  • Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen the last closed tab
  • Ctrl + Shift + N to open a new incognito window

You can find a full list of Chrome shortcuts by clicking on the three dots in the top right corner of your browser and selecting “More tools” > “Extensions” > “Keyboard shortcuts.”

Customize your homepage

By default, Chrome opens with a blank page or the Google search page. However, you can customize your homepage to show your favorite websites or a specific webpage.

To set a custom homepage, click on the three dots in the top right corner of your browser and select “Settings.” From there, scroll down to the “On startup” section and select “Open a specific page or set of pages.” Click on “Add a new page” and enter the URL of the page you want to set as your homepage.

Use the Omnibox

The Omnibox is the search bar at the top of your Chrome browser. It can also be used to enter URLs, search your bookmarks and history, and even perform calculations.

To perform a search in the Omnibox, simply type your search term and hit enter. To search your history or bookmarks, type “history” or “bookmarks” followed by your search term. To perform a calculation, simply type the equation in the Omnibox.

Manage your tabs

If you’re like most people, you probably have multiple tabs open at once. Chrome has several features that can help you manage your tabs, including:

  • Pinning tabs to keep them open and organized: To pin a tab, right-click on the tab and select “Pin.”
  • Using tab groups to group related tabs together: To use tab groups, right-click on a tab and select “Add to new group.”
  • Muting tabs that are playing audio: To mute a tab, click on the audio icon in the tab.

By using extensions, syncing your data, using keyboard shortcuts, customizing your homepage, using the Omnibox, and managing your tabs, you can improve your browsing experience and become more productive.

Try out these tips and see how they can make your Chrome experience even better.

Filed Under: Browsers, Google Tagged With: ,

8 Tech Checks To Make Before You Travel

February 5, 2023

Our technology inevitably comes with us when we travel. Most of us won’t even travel to the end of the block without our smartphones. When you go on a trip, not having your technology there when you need it can ruin your day.

Travel smarter and more securely by doing several checks before you go. Use our handy tech travel checklist. It can save you from suffering from lost devices, missing chargers, or a data breach.

Check your apps
Have you ever sat at an airport gate wondering why it looked so empty? You then found out that your gate had changed, and you had no idea. You go rushing to the other end of the concourse, hoping you’re not too late.

How did everyone else know about the gate change? They most likely had the app for the airline and received a notification.

Before you leave for a trip, make sure to download any apps you may need. It’s better to download them when you’re at home on your own Wi-Fi. If you wait until you’re at the airport, reception may be an issue.

Some of the apps you may want to grab or update before your trip are:
• Airline app
• Train app
• Hotel app
• Theme park app
• Camping ground app
• Weather app
• City tourism app

Check your cords & adapters
People leave behind countless chargers and adapters every day. They litter airports, restaurants, and train stations around the world.

Make sure to bring a backup charger for your laptop, tablet, or phone. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying a premium for a new charger in a gift shop. Your device could also go black if you lose its charger and can’t quickly get a new one.

Check your power
A great way to ensure you have the power you need is to buy a small charging battery. You can find these in most major retailers or online. They are small “blocks” that hold a charge and can power up a cell phone in a pinch.

Having this extra backup also helps you avoid potential juice-jacking ports. These are fake or compromised public USB charging ports. Hackers use them to steal your data when you plug in.

Check your mobile plan
If you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll want to check your mobile plan. If you don’t have the ability to call internationally, then you may not be able to text or call home.

Carriers can add an international capability to your plan, but ask about pricing. It can get expensive if you’re on long calls or using mobile data.

An alternative is to set up a VoIP app you can use with your office, friends, or family while you’re traveling. These enable both calls and SMS, but you do need an internet connection.

Check or add a VPN
Free Wi-Fi may be a welcome site when you’re on the road, but it can also be dangerous. You don’t know who else is using that Wi-Fi. A hacker hanging out on the connection can easily steal your data if you’re not protected.

It’s better to use either your mobile carrier connection or a virtual private network (VPN) app. VPN plans are inexpensive and will keep your data encrypted, even if you’re on public Wi-Fi.

Check your backup
Unfortunately, mishaps occur when traveling. You may leave your phone behind on a boat, have your luggage lost, or get your device stolen while in a crowded area. Ten percent of all laptop thefts happen in airports.

Don’t lose all your data with the device! Back up your devices to the cloud or local storage before you travel. This ensures that you won’t lose the valuable information on your device. You also won’t need to think twice about enacting a remote “wipe my device” command if necessary.

Check your device security
Make your devices as secure as possible before you hit the road. When we’re traveling, our minds are occupied by other things. So, you may not think to check your antivirus or avoid suspicious phishing links.

Protect your devices before you go using:
• Antivirus/anti-malware
• DNS filtering
• Screen lock with passcode
• Sharing features turned off
• VPN application
• Find-My-Device feature turned on

Check your double checks
What do we mean by checking your double-checks? Use the buddy system as a backup. When the family is getting off a plane, each should check with the other that they have all their devices.

If you’re traveling alone, have a friend or family member check up by text. Did you grab your charger? Is your VPN turned on? Those little reminders can go a long way toward avoiding digital travel nightmares.

Improve the security of your devices now
Don’t leave your devices unprotected. This could mean a breach of your banking app or personal data. Contact us for device security solutions to reduce your risk.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Filed Under: Backups, Tips Tagged With: , ,

You’ve Got Questions… We’ve Got Answers!

July 27, 2022

I think I’ve clicked an unsafe link. What should I do?

The faster you act, the less damage or data loss you’ll suffer. Get in touch with your IT support partner immediately. It’s always a good idea to have a response and recovery strategy in place for when this happens.

My external drive isn’t showing up when connected.

First, make sure it’s powered up! Then try it in a different USB port, and then a different device. This will let you know if it’s the drive or your device that’s the issue. You may need to manually enable it in Windows.

What’s the best antivirus software for my business?

Not all antivirus software is equal, and the best solution for your business may be completely different than it would be for the company next door. It depends on your infrastructure. We’d love to help with a recommendation, so get in touch.

How can I make my display more organized?

Consider adding a second monitor. Not only will this allow you to better organize your apps and windows, but it will also give you more workspace.

Can my phone be hacked?

Yes! As well as the risk of phishing and smishing (that’s phishing via text message), you also put your data at risk by connecting to public Wi-Fi. Fake apps can be an issue.

How do I know if my Teams app is up to date?

Just click on the three dots next to your profile picture and select ‘Check for Updates’ from the menu. If you’re using Windows 11, you’ll need to check under settings -> about Teams.

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With:

Tax Benefits You Should Reap Before The Year Ends

December 20, 2019

There are important tax benefits you can only gain by acting before December runs out. Preparing for taxes at the end of the year also puts you ahead of the game, eliminating the last-minute scramble to decipher receipts and new forms, so you can be calm and collected when tax season actually hits.

Perhaps the most important tax benefit small businesses should be aware of is that purchases like IT hardware or computer software that is purchased off the shelf are tax-deductible. Such capital purchases, however, must be dealt with before the new year, or they can no longer be used on your tax return. New special provisions dictate the cost of such equipment must be deducted within the year they were put into service, so you can’t afford to wait until the fiscal year ends and miss the narrow window for this tax benefit opportunity.

Small businesses should also be aware that many tax benefits are dependent on whether your activities are profitable or not. This is because the amount you can deduct for technological purchases changes according to your business’ total taxable income.

Be sure to reference Section 179 rules if you are showing a profit and Section 168 rules if you are in the red. You may even choose to consider if it is in your business’ best interest to be profitable at all, and adjust your inner workings to reflect your best tax advantage.

When making deductions for tech hardware and software purchased this year, make sure your record keeping is first rate. Keep all paper¬work that identifies the equipment, receipt for purchase, and anything that can point to when you actually put the equipment into service.

If necessary, you can then provide copies of that paperwork to the tax agency in the event that there is a question about your deduction. Before filing, if there is any doubt about whether a particular purchase is eligible for a tax deduction, consult with your tax adviser to be sure the necessary points have been met.

Filed Under: Tips, Upgrading Tagged With: ,

Time-Saving Tricks for Microsoft Outlook 2016

June 26, 2018

Thomas Fox is president of Tech Experts, southeast Michigan’s leading small business computer support company.

Microsoft Office 365 offers a number of useful tools for today’s busy professionals including some new shortcuts for Outlook 2016. With so many companies now using Outlook as their major email program, Microsoft works to improve its operation with each annual update.

A number of the great features in this program are also found in other MS Office programs. For instance, if you’re familiar with Word, then learning how to use Outlook will be much simpler.

New Changes for Outlook 2016
Using Outlook 2016, you can do a lot more than send and receive emails. You can also manage your calendar, set appointments, schedule meetings, and create/ manage groups.

In addition to being able to set up various types of groups, you can set up groups in Yammer. Yammer has become a central place where teams can exchange files, get updates and have conversations with others. [Read more…]

Filed Under: MS Office, Tips Tagged With: , ,

Easy And Common Steps To Resolve Internet Issues

June 30, 2017

Luke Gruden is a help desk technician for Tech Experts.

The Internet is key in almost all that we do on computers. A computer without Internet would have limited use — not only because of the browser, but because many programs require the connection to function.

That’s why when we are right in middle of working and we lose Internet, we can get very frustrated very quickly. Luckily, there are a few things you can try to potentially restore your Internet with minimal time and effort.

Calling your Internet service provider or your IT techs can result in an issue taking longer to resolve as someone may have to drive out to your business or you have to wait for the next available phone representative. Why wait when, most likely, you can fix your own Internet in about 15 minutes or less with minimal experience?

However, before we talk about how to bring back the Internet, we must talk about terminology and devices.

The first device that handles your Internet from the outside of your building is the Internet modem. Your modem usually has your Internet provider’s logo on it and is plugged in by a cord going outside (usually through a wall). You also need to know what a router is. A router plugs into all the computers with either wired or wireless connections. Sometimes, the modem is also a router when it’s a two-in-one device.

Finally, you should know what a firewall device is. Firewalls are usually a box that is plugged in between the router and modem, protecting your network. That said, not every business has a firewall.

Now that you have the basic terminology, we can potentially fix the Internet. First of all, if you lose your connection to the Internet, try a reboot of your workstation.

If the reboot does not work, see if anyone else has Internet. If it is just you that’s lost connection, try to see if you can push your Internet wire (Ethernet cable) into your computer. Sometimes, the connection can become loose and that’s all there is to the problem.

If you are using a wireless connection, turn off your Wi-Fi with a button on your computer and turn it back on. If your Internet is not back, you might have to contact your IT. If no one has Internet, take a look at the modem. The modem usually has lights showing the status of the Internet connection. If it shows that there is no Internet, try to unplug the power from it and wait 15 seconds and plug it back in.

The modem will take time, potentially 10 or 15 minutes, but you will see if the Internet connection comes back. If the modem does have Internet, try to unplug the firewall (if you have one), then plug it back in after 15 seconds. If the Internet still is out after 15 minutes, try to do the same thing with the router by unplugging and plugging the power back in. If the Internet is still out for everyone, you probably have to call your Internet service provider as there could be an outage in the area. Most of the time when the Internet goes out, following these steps can likely bring back the Internet connection. This is especially true if you are at home.

Hopefully, following these steps can resolve your lost Internet connection. Sometimes, your equipment essentially needs a restart to get things back into working order. Should you need further help, we at Tech Experts have you covered!

Filed Under: Internet, Tips Tagged With: , , , ,

What Are The Signs Of A Failing Hard Drive?

June 7, 2017

Anthony Glover is Tech Expert’s network engineer.

As a network engineer by day, I can say that have seen a lot of hard drive problems and, if they’re not taken care of properly, they can cause a severe technical headache. It is important to notice the signs that are present to you and, fortunately, there’s several to note.

Sluggish performance of your workstation is one of the main issues. This can occur without warning and it can even seem like a virus or cause a blue screen of death (BSOD).

Another sign is your PC or workstation making clicking or grinding noises. This can cause a read failure to occur and cause the drive to be inaccessible, which in turn causes data loss. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Hard Drives, Planning, SSDs, Tips, Upgrading Tagged With: , , , ,

5 Effective Lead Generation Strategies To Consider In 2017

April 11, 2017

Thomas Fox is president of Tech Experts, southeast Michigan’s leading small business computer support company.

Looking to grab new leads? Forget the more traditional marketing approaches. The majority of them are no longer as effective as they once were. Instead, try something new.

Here are five extremely effective lead-generation strategies for 2017.

Blogs
Although the suggestion to start a blog is hardly groundbreaking, it remains one of the best methods of generating leads and one that is all too often overlooked, even today.

Publishing regular articles provides you with an opportunity to reach your audience and establish your expertise.

In addition, you can encourage readers to sign up for your newsletter or input their email address to access some high-value content. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Marketing, Tips Tagged With: , ,
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