Digital Orchard I.T.

Have you tried Zoom’s Workplace collaboration space? It’s similar to Teams, and I can see the company is working hard to keep up with Microsoft.

Now Zoom is bringing in the power of artificial intelligence with its AI Companion. This tool, powered by ChatGPT, acts as a digital sidekick, offering post-meeting summaries, identifying action items, and even helping compose chats and email drafts.

Zoom's got some other tricks up its sleeve, too. With new Zoom Phone capabilities, you'll get post-call summaries, voice mail prioritisation, and task extraction.

Did I mention the mixed reality app? Imagine collaborating in a 3D space with your team, sharing designs and ideas like never before. This one’s great for creatives.

And Zoom's Workplace collaboration app is getting a makeover with a simplified navigation bar, customisable colour themes, and a multi-speaker view that highlights active participants in meetings. Plus, the Ask AI Companion chatbot is coming soon to help with routine tasks like creating meeting materials and drafting agendas.

I know what you’re thinking… yes, a lot of these new features bear a striking resemblance to updates we’ve seen in Teams lately. I’ll leave you to decide which you prefer.

Zoom offers AI-based updates to its Workplace collaboration space The company's Workplace collaboration space gets several user interface upgrades over its previous version.

Thought Microsoft Teams couldn’t get any better? You’d be wrong. Soon you’ll be able to give your team a turbo boost with Microsoft Teams' lightning-fast new app. Starting in July, Microsoft will bid farewell to its classic Teams client in favour of the sleeker, speedier version. And let me tell you, this upgrade is a game-changer.

The new app promises blazing-fast speeds and consumes 50% less memory, giving your team the power to collaborate like never before.

Now, I know change can be daunting, but don’t worry. Microsoft has extended the transition period to give you ample time to make the switch. But with the classic client reaching its end-of-support in just two months, there's no time like the present to upgrade and unlock the full potential of Teams.

And here's the best part - upgrading is a breeze. Simply make the switch to the new Teams app, and you'll enjoy all the latest updates, security patches, and cutting-edge features that Microsoft has to offer. Plus, you'll avoid any annoying notifications reminding you that the classic client is no longer supported.

Have you already made the upgrade? What do you think to the new and improved app?

Microsoft recommends upgrading to its new 'lightning fast' Teams app — If you want actual support, new features, and important security updates Microsoft will cut support for its classic Teams client in two months.

I’ve got an interesting one to talk about today: Malvertising.

Have you heard of it? Recently there’s been an ad scam on Bing, where an advert looks like it’s from NordVPN, but it’s actually there to trick you. So what exactly is malvertising, and how can you protect your business from falling victim?

Malvertising, short for malicious advertising, is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Cyber criminals embed malware into seemingly harmless online ads. They’re trying to lure people into clicking. Recently, they’ve impersonated NordVPN on Bing, redirecting people to a fake site and tricking them into downloading malware onto their devices.

So, how does this all work? Well, imagine you're scrolling through search results or reading an article, and you come across an ad promoting something familiar, like a VPN service. You click, thinking it's legit, and start to download what you think is software… but behind the scenes, malware is being unleashed onto your device faster than you can say "cyber security”.

Luckily, there are ways to armour up. The first rule is to always be vigilant. Keep an eye out for red flags like misspelled URLs or suspicious domain endings. If something seems off, it probably is. Stick to trusted sources when downloading software, and always double-check the website's legitimacy before hitting a download button.

Another handy tool is an ad-blocker. These protect your browsing experience and your device from potential harm. And as a bonus, they're super easy to set up and use.

Remember, if in doubt, trust your gut. If an ad seems too good to be true or raises any suspicions, steer clear. Your cyber security is worth more than a flashy offer.

Don't fall for fake NordVPN ads—how to avoid VPN scams NordVPN shares some tips to avoid VPN scams in the future

If you rely heavily on Windows for your daily tasks, you'll be thrilled to hear about the latest preview update. Microsoft has been hard at work addressing some issues, and let me tell you, they've hit the nail on the head with this one!

Here’s one that’s going to be music to many people’s ears - the Windows Search function in Windows 10. It’s such a basic need and frankly it hasn’t been good enough recently.

We've all experienced typing in the search bar only to get inaccurate suggestions or, even worse, a crash. But Microsoft has been listening, and they’ve fixed a load of bugs. They’ve also made the search experience faster, more reliable, and tailored just for you.

Of course, if you’ve upgraded to Windows 11 already, you won’t have struggled with these search problems… just another one of the many benefits to the updated OS.

If it’s time for your business to make the upgrade, my team and I can help. Get in touch.

Microsoft finally tests "more reliable" Windows Search on Windows 10 Windows 10 search is now better than ever and finding installed apps and settings won't be a trouble like it was before.

Ever found yourself wishing you could slap a password on a folder in Windows 11 to keep your documents, photos, or other sensitive files extra safe? Well, you're not alone.

But, the thing is, Windows 11 doesn't offer a built-in feature to directly password-protect folders. That’s not bad news though.

Your Windows account already comes equipped with password protection. So, when you log in, you're essentially locking down access to your profile and all the files within it. Microsoft makes the assumption that you, and you alone, are the only person accessing your Windows account.

If you're using the BitLocker security feature, your data gets an added layer of encryption, making it even tougher for unauthorised people to sneak a peek at your files.

But what if you share your PC with others, or you simply want that extra level of security?

Enter the virtual hard disk and BitLocker combo. With these tools, you can create a virtual drive - a kind of digital vault, if you will - and lock it down with BitLocker. Basically, it’s a secure folder within your computer, accessible only to those with the password.

Setting it up is pretty straightforward. Just fire up the Disk Management tool, create a new virtual hard disk, enable BitLocker on it, and boom! You've got yourself a password-protected virtual drive. Now, you can store all your sensitive files in there, knowing they're tucked away safely from prying eyes.

There's always a workaround to beef up your file security. Of course there are better ways to increase security and protect files within a business - can my team and I help you with that?

How to protect folder with password on Windows 11 Do you want to protect folders and files with a password? Here's how on Windows 11.

Heads up! There's another cyber threat on the loose, and this one’s targeting Microsoft Word and Excel files.

Let me explain: Hackers are using a technique called steganography to hide malware inside innocent-looking JPG files. They then send out phishing emails loaded with these files, hoping someone takes the bait (phishing emails look like they’re from someone you trust but they’re not).

If you accidentally open one of these booby-trapped files, it's not good. A nasty script is unleashed, leading to the download and installation of all sorts of malware. Think info stealers, remote access trojans, and more.

But I know you can stay protected from this one. It’s totally doable with a little common sense and some cyber security awareness.

First off, stay sharp with incoming emails, especially ones with attachments or suspicious links. When in doubt, just hit delete.

Plus, don't forget to keep your Office suite up-to-date. There's a fix for this vulnerability that's been hanging around for years. Double-check you’re all updated and safe (my team can help you with that).

So there you have it - stay vigilant, keep those software updates rolling, and keep your business’s data safe.

A sneaky new steganography malware is exploiting Microsoft Word — hundreds of firms around the world hit by attack TA558 is back, exploiting an age-old flaw in Microsoft Word

If you, like me, believe tech companies should have solid planet-saving goals, you’ll be interested in this one.

Apple recently dropped its annual environmental report, and it's good. The mission is to go completely carbon neutral by 2030 - and there’s no messing around.

Lisa Jackson, Apple's eco guru, said they're pulling out all the stops to hit that target. From increasing wind and solar power to revamping recycling tech, Apple's leaving no stone unturned. Even their product designs are getting a green makeover.

And they're not going it alone. Apple's rallying the troops, working with more than 320 suppliers to cut emissions and go renewable. Plus, they're updating their products with recycled materials - like the new MacBook Air, made with over 50% recycled materials.

And get this… Apple's not just talking the talk on climate justice. They're aiming for 100% recycled rare earth materials and are even using recycled cobalt in iPhone batteries.

It’s safe to say, they're pumping serious cash into carbon offset projects, aiming to make a real difference. And they're not afraid to admit when things need a tune-up, like calling out the shortcomings of carbon credits. Honesty is the best policy, right?

Do you think more tech companies need to be open about their environmental goals… and shortcomings?

Apple wants to improve the carbon offset market Apple's just-published annual environmental report detailing its progress towards carbon neutrality shows the company is working hard to be transparent about its efforts.

Passwords are the bane of so many people’s lives. We all have so many of them to juggle.

Maybe you should think about using biometrics instead? That’s using your fingerprint as a password, or even your face, just like you might do already to unlock your phone.

It’s a really simple-yet-secure way to keep your data safe… yet only around a fifth of people bother with it.

I understand, some people are wary. Why? They’re worried about their sensitive info falling into the wrong hands. But here's the thing: Biometrics are really hard to crack - unlike weak passwords, or passwords you reuse across multiple sites.

There’s also passkeys as an alternative to passwords. These use your phone or another device as a key to prove you are who you say you are. They're very well designed to be safe, as your phone must be close to the device you’re logging in to.

Better yet, biometrics and passkeys make a power duo. Use them together and it's like having a double lock on your front door.

Are you still using passwords in your business, or have you embraced these super-secure alternatives?

Barely any of us are choosing fingerprints over passwords yet Only a fifth trust fingerprint biometrics

If you have an iPhone and a Mac, launch the calculator on both right now. Can you see the difference? They have similar colours but the iPhone one looks better with its round buttons, compared to the square buttons on the Mac.

Apple’s about to make them match, updating the look of the Mac calculator. Goodbye to the old-school buttons and hello to a fresh, rounded look inspired by iOS.

There's more. You’ll be able to more easily track your past calculations with the revised history tape feature. You’ll finally be able to resize the calculator window.

And - hooray! - there’s now unit conversion help. Apple's created a more intuitive system that works seamlessly with your calculations. Need to convert currency or units? No problem! It's all built right into the main interface, making things easy.

These updates are due in macOS 15. I love anything that makes life easier, so this sounds like a win.

macOS 15 to include redesigned Calculator with new features Exclusive: Apple has been working on the most significant update to its Calculator app in years and the version being tested in early betas of macOS 15 sports brand-new features and exciting enhancements to the unit conversion system.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but an old digital troublemaker has been resurrected. This one’s a worm called Raspberry Robin, and it's annoying. It replicates itself to spread to other devices, creating all sorts of risks to data security including malware and ransomware.

A few years ago, cyber criminals spread it through USB drives posted out to businesses (yes really). Now they're using a little known utility called Windows Script Files to sneak it onto computers. These files look harmless and some security tools struggle to spot the danger.

But I bring some good news too: There are ways to defend yourself.

First off, be extra cautious what you click on or download, especially if it's from an unfamiliar source. Stick to trusted websites and steer clear of suspicious-looking emails.

Your PC may have a hero in disguise called Windows Defender to help keep you safe. If you want to really increase your defences, consider getting additional software to layer your protection and give you extra peace of mind.

If you’re not sure where to start or you’d like a hand making sure you’ve got the right protection in place, I can help. Get in touch.

Hackers are using this little-known file type to drop a nasty Windows worm on vulnerable PCs — how to stay safe This Windows malware can give hackers a foothold on your PC to launch dangerous attacks

Want more say over how your lock screen looks? Good news: Microsoft is rolling out some exciting updates that put you in control.

With the latest updates to Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft has introduced lock screen widgets powered by MSN. Cool, right? But until now, you couldn't customise them.

Good old Microsoft has heard our feedback loud and clear, and they're on a mission to give us the power to personalise our lock screen. Soon, we’ll be able to choose exactly what appears, from weather updates to sports scores and more.

And if you aren’t a fan of MSN content popping up on your lock screen, don't worry – you'll have the option to disable it completely. Phew!

The customisation doesn't stop at the lock screen either. In Windows 11, the Widgets app is getting a makeover too, with a revamped layout and new features like notification badges. It's all about making your Windows experience truly your own.

What will you add to your lock screen first?

Microsoft will let you customize MSN on lock screen in Windows 11, Windows 10 Microsoft confirmed to Windows Latest that the Widget cards will be customizable in the future and remove the ones you don't like.

OpenAI has just rolled out a major upgrade for ChatGPT, and let me tell you, it's a good one.

GPT-4 Turbo is the latest and greatest addition to the ChatGPT family. With this upgrade, ChatGPT is now better at writing, maths, logical reasoning, and even coding. Plus, it's now armed with the freshest training data, which gives it the edge in tackling topical questions and answers.

Thanks to this update, ChatGPT is now "more direct" and "less verbose," using language that's conversational and less… AI. It's like chatting with a human, but with all the AI smarts thrown in.

In one example, ChatGPT crafted a concise RSVP text for a dinner invite, cutting out the fluff and getting straight to the point. Now that's efficiency lots of us could do with!

These improvements aren't just for people who pay, which is great.

If you haven’t tried ChatGPT before, or if you have but didn’t think much of it, maybe now’s the time to see if it could be a help to your business?

ChatGPT's newest GPT-4 upgrade makes it smarter and more conversational More AI power to the people

Exciting news on the horizon: Everyone’s favourite Windows app Snipping Tool is about to get a fun makeover, and that means using emojis across your screen captures. YES!

Imagine your business’s how-to guides with a splash of smiley emojis or adding some personality to your presentations with a fire emoji or two. The possibilities are endless.

Better than emojis, Snipping Tool will soon detect QR codes too. It’ll come in handy for sharing links or contact information more quickly.

And there’s also the HDR screenshot colour corrector, which is already available in the latest version of the app. It lets you say goodbye to dull, washed-out screenshots – now your visuals will pop like never before.

I think it's incredible to see how far the Snipping Tool has come since its early beginnings. From simple screen captures to text extraction and audio recording, it's become a tool that you and your team can use every day.

Which emoji will your business use most often? And which ones will be banned?!

Thank the heavens, you'll soon be able to add emojis to your Windows 11 screenshots Microsoft is testing the option to add emojis to screenshots through the Windows 11 Snipping Tool.

There’s another scam doing the rounds, this time using Facebook.

It turns out cyber criminals are using Facebook to launch malware attacks, and it's having a big impact. They're using the hype around AI tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT to lure unsuspecting victims (like you or your employees?) into their trap.

So, how does it work? First, they hijack existing Facebook accounts, giving them an AI-themed makeover to appear legit. Then, they sprinkle in some fake news and ads, offering free trials or downloads of AI tools. But those links lead to malicious sites where malware is waiting to infect your device.

The consequences? Malware can wreak havoc on your business, from sensitive info being stolen to operations being disrupted. Imagine losing access to critical data or having your systems grind to a halt. Not good.

Here’s my advice to stay safe:

Educate yourself and your employees about these scams. Knowledge is power!

Don't fall for flashy ads or tempting offers. Always double-check before you click on any links, especially if they seem too good to be true.

When trying new apps or tools, go straight to the source. Check if they have a desk-top version or a legit mobile app before downloading anything.

Invest in the best antivirus software to keep your devices protected.

Cyber criminals thrive on deception so keep your wits about you, and make sure your team does the same.

How confident are you that you and your employees could spot a phoney app?

1.2 million people fooled by fake MidJourney page used to spread malware — don’t fall for this That interest in AI could leave you with a nasty malware infection

Today I’m bringing good news if you use Windows 10.

Microsoft has FINALLY lifted the compatibility hold that was stopping some PCs from upgrading to Windows 11. If you've been waiting to make the move to the latest (and greatest) operating system, now might be your chance.

Back in 2021, Microsoft and Intel discovered some compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology on certain 11th Gen Core processors running Windows 11. It led to a compatibility hold being placed on affected systems, stopping them from upgrading.

But Microsoft has fixed the bug, and now these PCs can join the Windows 11 party.

So, how do you know if your PC can finally upgrade? Update its Intel SST drivers, and you should be good to go. Just keep in mind that it can take up to 48 hours for the upgrade option to appear after the driver update. Be patient and resist the urge to hit that 'Update now' button until everything's good to go.

Two things to remember. Firstly this isn’t a policy change from Microsoft about the minimum requirements for Windows 11; it’s just a bug fix for some PCs that had a problem. Not every older PC is compatible with the new OS.

And second, remember Windows 10 support is ending in October next year. So If you’ve been thinking about moving over to Windows 11, now's the perfect time.

If you want to check your devices are compatible, or you’d like a hand making the upgrade, my team can help - get in touch.

After over two years, Microsoft will let these PCs upgrade to Windows 11 Microsoft has lifted a compatibility hold that stopped some PCs from upgrading to Windows 11 for over two years.

I love Windows 11 so much. Especially as it’s getting better and better and BETTER all the time. You want your team to be more productive, right? The latest major upgrade called Moment 5 gets this right on the nose. You should run the update right now.

Here are my favourite top five features in Moment 5…

Amplified accessibility: Microsoft's made Voice Access improvements. You can drag files across multiple displays just using your voice, and also create custom voice commands. Narrator now has new natural voices for smoother reading.

Smarter snap layouts: Multitasking’s easier with AI-powered suggestions for Snap Layouts. It’s perfect for organising apps on your desktop.

Magic Eraser in Photos: Say goodbye to unwanted photo-bombers. The Photos app now has an AI-powered magic eraser that lets you remove distractions.

Nearby Share boost: Sharing files and links is faster and smoother with automatic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth activation.

Copilot enhancements: Third-party plug-ins, an expanded command library, and even desktop cleanup are all part of using Copilot AI now.

If you’re like me, you won’t want to wait to try out these new features. Simply head to Windows Update and run the latest cumulative update. And if you haven’t made the switch to Windows 11 yet, what are you waiting for?! I can help with that, get in touch.

Windows 11’s next big update is here – these are the top 5 features introduced with Moment 5 Take a moment to peruse the nifty new abilities inbound for Windows 11

Exciting news on the Excel front - Microsoft just dropped a new feature for the Excel web version. Now you can easily share links to your Sheet Views, making collaboration even easier.

Picture this: You've got a massive workbook with tons of data, and you need to bring your team's attention to specific information. With this new feature, you can share a link to a Sheet View that captures exactly what you need.

Here's how to make it happen:

1. Click on the View tab in Excel web
2. Hit that Sheet View arrow and choose an existing view or create a new one
3. Right-click on any cell or the sheet tab with the content you want to share
4. Select "Copy Link To Sheet View,"
5. Close the Link to Sheet message that pops up
6. Share the copied link with your team - via email, Teams chat, carrier pigeon, you name it!

Voila! You're now a pro at sharing Sheet Views like a boss.

But Microsoft isn't done yet. They've also rolled out a load of other cool features for Excel web, including new cut-and-paste options and the ability to export CSV files. Talk about levelling up your spreadsheet game.

Does this make you like Excel just a little bit more?

Microsoft Excel web app gets a new feature to share links to Sheet views Microsoft has recently added a new feature to Excel web version that allows users to share links to Sheet Views for better work flow.

Uh oh… Google and Microsoft are squabbling again, and this time, it's Gmail vs. Outlook.

Gmail has been giving some Outlook emails the cold shoulder. Google rolled out new bulk sender authentication requirements, and things got a bit messy. Some Outlook emails are getting flagged as spam, leaving recipients in the dark.

Google's beefed-up security measures are meant to keep the bad guys at bay - think spam, phishing, and malware. Kudos to them for keeping our inboxes safe.

If you're on the receiving end of a flagged Outlook email, look out for a message explaining the situation. It's all about transparency.

Microsoft's on the case too, offering up a workaround for affected users. Simply add an Outlook .com alias to your account and send emails to Gmail accounts using that alias. Problem solved.

This isn't the first time Google and Microsoft have butted heads. From Gmail's exclusive emoji-reply feature to Microsoft's ups and downs with Outlook, it's been quite the rollercoaster ride. But at the end of the day, it's all about keeping the lines of communication open.

So tell me, are you Team Gmail or Team Outlook?

Gmail might flag some Microsoft Outlook emails as spam — You'll temporarily need an 'alias' to circumvent this issue Goggle's newly implemented mandatory bulk sender authentication requirements for Gmail flag some Outlook emails as spam.

Over the past year or two we've seen a surge in AI tools and software. It looks like the next big thing is going to be AI hardware. But, here's the million-dollar question: Will it be more than just a fancy gimmick?

AI isn't exactly known for needing dedicated hardware. I mean, c'mon, your phone can handle most AI tasks like a champ. But I’m all for innovation.

Enter stage left: The Humane AI Pin, the Rabbit R1, and The Frame by Brilliant Labs. These gadgets have flashy features and sky-high promises. But are they more than just cool gadgets?

Take the Humane AI Pin, for instance. It sits on your shirt and uses a camera and microphone to observe and answer questions using AI-based services. With its projector and camera, it's like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Then there's the Rabbit R1, the compact wonder with big dreams. It's pocket-sized and does roughly the same as the AI Pin.

And let's not forget The Frame, sleek smart glasses that promise to revolutionise how we interact with AI.

But will any of these deliver, or could they be just more overpriced toys?

I'm all for pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. But when it comes to AI hardware, I can't help but wonder: Are we solving a problem that doesn't exist?

I'm keeping an open mind… what’s your take on it all?

Will AI hardware prove to be anything more than novelty? The past year has seen an explosion of AI tools and software, but over the next couple of months, we’re...

Bad news: There's new malware in town and it's not playing nice. Meet Vultur, the latest Android banking trojan causing a stir in the cyber security world.

First things first. What’s a trojan? Think of it like a digital intruder pretending to be something it's not to worm its way into your device.

And Vultur is no ordinary trojan. It's got a bag of tricks that would make even seasoned security experts raise an eyebrow. Back in 2021, Vultur caused concern thanks to screen-recording on Android smartphones.

But it’s kicked things up a gear. Vultur's had an upgrade, complete with remote control capabilities.

Unlike traditional malware, Vultur doesn't rely solely on apps to worm its way into your device. The latest campaign starts with a text message claiming there's been a suspicious transaction on your bank account.

Feeling the pressure, you might just dial the number provided in the message. But here's where things take a turn for the worse. During the call, you receive another text, this time with a link to what appears to be a legit McAfee Security app. Spoiler alert: It's anything but legit.

Once you take the bait and install the trojanised app, it downloads the Vultur bank-ing trojan onto your device.

My advice to stay protected remains the same as always:

*Warn your team about the dangers
*Install Google Play Protect on your Android devices
*Beef up your device's security with an Android antivirus app

If my team can help you protect your business’s devices, get in touch.

‘Vultur’ Android Malware Gets Extensive Device Interaction Capabilities NCC Group researchers warn that the Android banking malware ‘Vultur’ has been updated with device interaction and file tampering capabilities.

I’ve heard rumours that the Edge browser might be getting a new feature to help us take control of our browsing experience.

Maybe this sounds familiar… you're online, juggling multiple tabs like a pro, when suddenly your computer starts feeling a bit sluggish. One (or more) of those tabs is eating up your memory like Bruce Bogtrotter with a chocolate cake.

Here’s the answer: Microsoft Edge Canary, the playground for testing the latest browser features, is teasing a RAM slider feature.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is like your computer's short-term memory. It helps your system run smoothly by storing data that's currently in use. Browsers, like Edge, can be notorious memory hogs, gobbling up RAM faster than you can say "refresh."

With the RAM slider you'll be able to change how much memory Edge munches on, giving you more control over your browsing. From setting a low limit to preserve resources to going all-in with your maximum RAM, the choice is yours. Just remember, setting a lower limit might slow down your browsing speed.

When can we get our hands on this function? Well, there isn’t an exact release date yet, but I don’t think we’ll have to wait too long.

Will you be switching this one on straight away?

Forget Chrome: Edge could soon become the most RAM-friendly browser A simple slider will give you full control of your RAM

Yet again I have big news from Microsoft. They’ve dropped details about the support plan for Windows 10 when it reaches end of life in October next year (2025).

Here's the deal: The extended support program for commercial customers allows you to keep your Windows 10 systems secure beyond the deadline. It starts at $61 (around £48) per device for the first year.

The catch? The price doubles every year for three years. I know, it's a bit of a wallet-squeezer. But before you hit the panic button, let's break it down.

Security updates keep your systems safer from cyber threats. With Windows 10 officially being shelved in 2025, paying for updates will have to become a reality if you want to stay protected (and trust me, you really do want to stay protected!).

Of course there is an alternative: Upgrade to Windows 11.

Windows 11 not only offers seamless operations and loads of features that could really help your business, but also includes free security updates.

Want to talk through the pros and cons of switching or staying? Reach out to me and let’s talk.

Microsoft reveals subscription pricing for using Windows 10 beyond 2025, and it's not cheap Customers will need to pay $61 per device, which will double every year for three years, to remain secure on Windows 10.