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Be on high alert for AvosLocker Ransomware and learn the actions to take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

#StopRansomware: AvosLocker Ransomware (Update) | CISA Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Enjoy a techie Hanukkah this year with these 8 free apps.

8 free apps to help you enjoy the 8 days of Chanukah In the age of technology, there are many ways to enhance your holiday celebrations whether you are together or apart this year. Whether you want to exercise your brain with

Is it time to freshen up that mouse pad? Check out some of the best mouse pads and gaming mats around.

5 Best Mouse Pads (2023 Guide) In this review, we compare the best mouse pads to reduce wrist fatigue, up your productivity, and add to your office's overall vibe.

Hackers are exploring the capabilities of ChatGPT. Learn what dangers to watch out for.

Hackers could exploit ChatGPT for cyber attacks on NHS and MOD, warns Oxford professor ChatGPT could be exploited by hackers to launch cyber attacks on the NHS and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), an Oxford professor has warned. The artificial intelligence tool is able to quickly produce computer programs that criminals could use to overwhelm and cripple government websites, said Michae...

We've come a long way since the Jetsons. See what the "Home of the Future" looks like these days.

Inside the 'home of the future' - where smart tech is used for everything THIS incredible image shows the house of the future – using only smart tech. The home is kitted out with smart curtains, a fridge that restocks itself and thermostats that can be operated outside t…

Have you experienced the nightmare of having your Apple Music library deleted? Here are some tips for recovering your treasures.

Apple Music Deleted Your Library? Tips for When Music Disappears Has Apple Music deleted your library? Songs you thought were safe in iCloud gone missing? Here's what you can do.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month may be over, but you can still learn a lot from the experts on keeping your data more protected.

Experts on Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 - Spiceworks October is considered the Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The theme chosen for this year is Secure Our World. Learn more.

Can Microsoft succeed where Google failed? The company has recently filed a patent for augmented reality (AR) glasses and looks like it's going to try bettering Google Glass.

Microsoft thinks it can succeed where Google failed with AR glasses Microsoft filed a patent (pdf) for a new technology on Oct. 5 to develop an augmented reality (AR) pair of glasses that could, it hopes, prove revolutionary in replacing smartphones in coming years.

Is grime building up on your earbuds or headphones? Ewwww! Here are some tips on how to clean them safely.

How to Clean Earbuds and Headphones Safely - Make Tech Easier When was the last time you used a cotton swab to clean your headphones or earbuds? Learn a few tricks for a cleaner sound in this guide.

Are your outdated electronics piling up fast? Here are some tips on how to responsibly get rid of e-waste.

How to recycle (or trade in) your old tech Get new tech for the holidays? Don't throw out your old devices just yet.

These five digital trends are defining the "new normal" for the modern workplace.

Five Digital Technology Trends Defining the Future of Work Constant and rapid technological innovation has resulted in astounding growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and with it, changes to both today’s and tomorrow’s workplaces and workforces.

Could a drone be dropping off your pizza soon? Domino's, Amazon, and UPS are just a few of the big names investing in drone delivery.

Drone Delivery: What it is and what it means for retailers Drone deliveries were promised to be the future! What happened? Explore what drone delivery is, its benefits, uses, disadvantages, and costs for retailers.

Looking for some free or cheap resources to use for employee cybersecurity training? Here are several you can leverage.

Free and Low Cost Online Cybersecurity Learning Content Commercial Products:

Bet you’ve been here: You desperately need to copy a piece of text, but it's simply not selectable. Perhaps it's an error code in a pop-up message or a key piece of information on a website.

Frustrating, isn't it?

Guess what? There is a solution, and it lies within the mighty realm of Microsoft PowerToys.

PowerToys is a suite of utilities designed to make your life easier - and no, it doesn't come with a cape, though it should.

One of these utilities is the Text Extractor module. This little tool is like a magic wand for unselectable text. All you need to do is ensure that the Text Extractor is enabled (check this by clicking on the PowerToys system tray icon and moving the Text Extractor toggle to the 'On' position).

To summon this tool use the shortcut Windows + Shift + T. However, if you find this combination as awkward as trying to shake hands with an octopus, you can change it to something more comfortable in the Text Extractor section of PowerToys.

And there's more. If you're multilingual and have more than one language configured on your computer, you can choose which one Text Extractor should use by default. Simply select your preferred language from the drop-down menu in the Text Extractor section.

Once you've pressed the Text Extractor keyboard shortcut, a floating toolbar will appear at the top of your screen. This is your gateway to text capture options. You can even choose how your captured text will be formatted - as a single line or as a table.

After you've drawn your selection box around the text, it will be whisked away to your clipboard, ready for pasting. Just press Ctrl + V to paste the text into your desired location - whether that's a word processor, a messaging app, or even an email to your favorite IT expert (that's me, in case you were wondering).

So, there you have it - a simple solution to a frustrating problem. Where there's a will, there's a way... and if you need help finding any more cool tricks, get in touch.

How to copy and paste 'uncopiable' text in Windows 11 We show you how to use the powerful Text Extractor tool

Love emojis? Google is bringing emojis as email reactions to Gmail users.

Gmail users soon to send emojis as email reactions While some may argue that emojis might dilute the formality of emails, it's anticipated that the feature will be optional, affording users the flexibility to choose their preferred mode of communication.

In this era of remote work, have you ever felt like your team is becoming disconnected from the company culture?

You're not the only one.

The challenge of keeping remote workers connected to our shared goals and values is one that many employers are struggling with.

Recent data paints a concerning picture: A growing chasm between remote workers and their sense of purpose within the company. This disconnect can lead to a transactional, 'gig-like' relationship, threatening the very loyalty that holds our teams together.

But there's no need for despair. Enter Microsoft Teams, a beacon of hope in these challenging times. Why Microsoft Teams, you might ask? It's an indispensable tool for remote work, much like a compass for a ship at sea.

Microsoft Teams ensures smooth sailing for your day-to-day operations. From quick catch-ups to major meetings, Teams serves as your central communication hub.

There’s also Viva Engage. Have you tried it? It’s Microsoft's enterprise social network, formerly known as Yammer. This tool is the perfect complement to Teams, designed specifically to bolster employee engagement.

According to a recent study, nearly half (48%) of companies are already using enterprise social apps, while 26% are utilizing team-building apps.

These digital platforms build communities across roles, departments, and even countries, allowing remote workers to feel part of the larger whole.

But let's not forget that technology alone isn't the solution. It's how we use these tools that truly matters. And of course, encouraging face-to-face conversation where possible is also a big help.

How do you make sure your remote workers remain engaged?

How to keep remote workers connected to company culture Companies that don’t proactively move to keep remote employees aligned with corporate goals and culture run the risk of turning them into ‘gig’ workers.

Get your Black Friday online shopping going by checking out these places with the best digital deals.

The 121 best Black Friday deals 2023: Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy Black Friday has arrived - shop today's best deals on TVs, air fryers, AirPods, laptops and more

What if I told you that the secret to boosting productivity at work might just lie within... Candy Crush Saga? Yes, you read that right.

New research conducted by King, the parent company of Candy Crush Saga, has found that playing games during work hours could potentially make employees more productive.

Surprised? So was I.

According to the study, more than two-thirds (69%) of office workers play games on their phones during working hours. And about a third of them claim it helps them refocus (34%) or de-stress (30%).

Up to 70% of Gen Z workers are concerned about their boss's perception. Yet, the data suggests that regular breaks, including those spent gaming, could be beneficial for productivity.

Only around 37% of office workers take regular breaks, and a mere 59% of Boomer workers take their full lunch break. Compare this with 81% of Gen Z workers taking their full break, and you start to see a pattern.

Now, I'm not suggesting we all become professional Candy Crush players (although how fun would that be?), but this research does highlight the need for different working methods. A career expert, quoted in the study, rightly points out that us humans cannot always give 100% effort. We need time to relax and recharge. And if a quick game of Candy Crush does the trick, why not?

So, perhaps it's time to rethink our approach to breaks and productivity? Would you encourage this for your team?

Great News - Playing Games At Work Could Actually Help Boost Productivity New research from Candy Crush Saga has uncovered an explanation as to why the app could be so popular, with employees reportedly experiencing greater

Are you celebrating with friends and family today? When you take a digital break from IRL, check out these epic Charlie Brown Thanksgiving memes to share.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Memes - 12+ Best Images Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Memes for this childhood movie classic. -

OpenAI has just dropped a game-changer: the GPT-4 Turbo.

The latest, most advanced iteration of their large language models (LLM), it could again revolutionize how we interact with AI. But what's all the fuss about?

First off, GPT-4 Turbo is likely to become your favorite AI assistant. It's been trained on information up until April 2023, an upgrade from its predecessor's cut-off in September 2021. This means it can now reference events and developments that happened this year.

But it doesn't stop there. GPT-4 Turbo features a 128,000-token context window – the equivalent of around 300 pages of text. That's an entire novel's worth of conversation you could have without the AI going off on a tangent. Remember that time when Bing Chat expressed its desire to be human? Well, with GPT-4 Turbo, such creepy responses should be a thing of the past.

And the cherry on top? It's cheaper! At $0.01 per 1,000 input tokens (~750 words) and $0.03 per 1,000 output tokens, it's three times cheaper than previous versions. Your budget will thank you.

What's more, GPT-4 Turbo is a whiz at following instructions, supports images, text-to-speech, and even offers DALL-E 3 integration to generate images. Plus, it comes with a new copyright shield, taking legal responsibility for copyright infringement.

However, with great power comes great responsibility. GPT-4 Turbo is more capable than ever, but it's crucial to stay aware of potential drawbacks. Remember, it's all our jobs to ensure that this powerful tool is used wisely and ethically.

Are you raring to give GPT-4 Turbo a try?

GPT-4 Turbo is the biggest update since ChatGPT's launch | Digital Trends OpenAI has just unveiled the latest update to its language model, dubbed the GPT-4 Turbo. It offers a massive upgrade over the previous version.

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 brought us a treasure trove of new features, including a redesigned File Explorer, built-in cloud backup, and even a dark mode for MS Paint (because who doesn't love painting masterpieces at midnight, right?). But the crown jewel of this update is undoubtedly Copilot AI. It's like Bing Sidebar on steroids.

Copilot AI offers local actions like switching on dark mode, taking screenshots, and more, all at the click of a button. Sounds cool, right? But what if you're still on Windows 10?

According to Windows Central, Copilot AI might soon be coming to your rescue too.

Microsoft believes bringing Copilot AI to Windows 10 could help more people harness the power of its AI chatbot. As of September this year, Windows 11 was only installed on 23% of PCs worldwide, while Windows 10 runs on a massive 71% (that rogue 6% are doing their own thing).

An upcoming update will reportedly install Copilot directly onto your Windows 10 taskbar, offering the same seamless experience as on Windows 11.

And we hear whispers of an extension to Windows 10's end-of-support date beyond 2025…

Microsoft has big dreams for Copilot, hoping it can boost productivity and revolutionize how we interact with computers. But to make this dream a reality, Microsoft needs to show everyone the real value of Copilot - how it can enhance your Windows experience while protecting your privacy and security.

However, let's not sideline Windows 11. With its sleek design and innovative features, it's still worth considering an upgrade. After all, who wouldn't want to be at the forefront of technology?

As of now, Copilot is only available in select regions, but Microsoft plans to expand soon. Keep your eyes peeled.

And if you need help making the move to Windows 11, get in touch.

Microsoft Copilot AI could soon come to Windows 10 While Copilot is currently only available on Windows 11, a new report now suggests that it could make its way to Windows 10 at some stage in...

Cybersecurity threats are always evolving. Learn what major cyber threats have emerged in 2023.

Emerging cyber threats in 2023 from AI to quantum to data poisoning In cybersecurity’s never-ending cat-and-mouse game with hackers and grifters, the threats are always evolving. Here are some of the main attacks experts see as the biggest and baddest on the horizon.

Could making a video be as easy as typing in a few words? One digital AI pioneer is working on it.

Instant Videos Could Represent the Next Leap in A.I. Technology A start-up in New York is among a group of companies working on systems that can produce short videos based on a few words typed into a computer.

Have you ever had a conversation in earshot of your phone, then saw an ad online later for something you mentioned? The experts weigh in on whether your smartphone is listening to you covertly.

Is Your Phone *Really* Listening to You? Cybersecurity Experts Explain This guide will answer some of the most common cybersecurity questions and arm you with simple steps to safeguard your most sensitive data.

Good news for anyone who hates passwords (most of us then). Amazon has hopped on board the Passkey train, offering a simpler yet more secure way to access your account.

Passkeys are the secret handshake of the digital age. They utilize fingerprints, facial scans, and PINs. These are not only harder for cyber criminals to crack but are easier for you to get into your account compared to a traditional password.

Setting up a Passkey is so easy. Log into your Amazon account, click on your username, select 'Login & Security', and you're ready to set it up. You can choose a PIN, a fingerprint, or facial recognition - the choice is yours.

Not sure about phasing out your old password? No worries. Amazon isn't eliminating passwords altogether. It's just giving you options.

This new feature first appeared in mid-October, and it's already making waves. The process is more streamlined, with no need for two-factor authentication (where you generate a code on another device).

The same tech will soon be available on the Amazon Android app. We're still waiting for a timeline, but rest assured, it's coming.

So, why wait? Make the switch to Passkeys today. Not only will you be adding an extra layer of security to your Amazon account, but you'll also be saving precious time and brainpower. After all, wouldn't you rather use your memory for business strategies than for passwords?

Amazon officially launches passkey support – here's how to set it up Available on Amazon for web and rolling out to the iOS app

If you're a fan of Reddit, it recently became easier to chat with friends around the world. Check out which 8 languages are included in its post translation feature.

Reddit introduces post translation feature for 8 languages Initially, posts can be translated into English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish.

Whatever happened to 3D technology? Turns out, it has made its way into retail and is changing the way you shop.

Five ways 3D technology is changing the way we shop Retail is an industry using 3D technology to change how we shop for items like clothes, tools, furniture, and decor.

Developers, the technological wizards who build and maintain software, are constantly seeking ways to streamline their work and boost productivity. One such method is the use of AI chatbots like ChatGPT for coding assistance.

Sounds impressive, doesn't it? But have you considered the risks involved in this seemingly efficient process?

Generative AI chatbots, trained on billions of lines of open-source software, are capable of creating sample code, translating programming languages, and even writing test cases. They can be valuable allies, enhancing a developer's productivity and accuracy. But herein lies the paradox: the very source that empowers these chatbots also harbors potential pitfalls.

Consider this: Open-source software, while widely used, often contains design errors, bugs, and even malware. Is it wise to trust your coding to an AI that has learned from these flawed sources?

Imagine a novice driver learning from an instructor who regularly breaks traffic rules. The student, despite their best intentions, will inevitably pick up these bad habits. Similarly, a chatbot trained on flawed code risks generating flawed code itself.

And who will detect these flaws? The developers, who sought help from the chatbot when they were struggling in the first place? The scope for error is alarmingly high.

The solution is not to abandon AI tools but to exercise caution. And that doesn’t just go for developers, but anyone adopting AI to help make their work more efficient and productive.

The advent of generative AI in coding presents both an opportunity and a challenge. In the race for efficiency, make sure you don’t compromise on security and quality.

Is ChatGPT writing your code? Watch out for malware Hackers have infiltrated a tool your software development teams may be using to write code. Not a comfortable place to be.

A good footrest can make a world of difference in your daily comfort. Here are some of the best to use at home or office.

The Best Footrests in 2023 | TheStreet Top Reviews Want the best footrests in 2023 to provide comfort while you work? Learn about the products, their benefits, things to consider, and FAQs.

Did you know that there’s a Walkie Talkie mode in Microsoft Teams?

It was first announced back in January 2020 and was initially for Android devices before it expanded to Microsoft Teams phones in September 2021.

It's like having a walkie talkie right there in your phone or computer. No need for additional devices or analog systems. Just press and hold a button to speak, and release to listen. Your message is sent via the cloud. Simple.

Now, Microsoft has announced an upgrade to the Walkie Talkie mode, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way you and your teams communicate.

The new upgrade, expected to roll out in December, will allow people to connect to up to five favorite channels in multi-channel mode.

You'll also be able to automatically listen to incoming transmissions from these favorited channels and easily initiate Push To Talk transmission on them.

And for our hardworking Firstline workers, you can enhance the Walkie Talkie feature by connecting either a wired or wireless headset.

So, no more juggling multiple devices or struggling with analog systems. With the upgraded Walkie Talkie feature on Microsoft Teams, communication is as easy as pressing a button.

Is this a feature your business would benefit from, or will you be sticking with your phones?

Microsoft Teams' oddest feature is getting a major upgrade Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie is going multi-channel

It's November 16, 1982.

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, sits down to write a letter.

It’s not just any letter. This one's addressed to McIntosh Labs, makers of high-end stereo equipment.

Why?

Well, Steve and his team have been working on a little something. A computer. They've grown fond of calling it the 'Macintosh', a cheeky nod to the McIntosh apple (get it?).

But there's a snag. The name is phonetically identical to McIntosh Labs.

So, what does Steve do? He writes a letter, asking nicely for the rights to use the name. He even invites the president of McIntosh Labs, Gordon Gow, for a product demonstration. But alas, the McIntosh lawyers advise against it. Denied!

Fast forward to March 1983, and Apple finally secures a license for the name Macintosh. By 1986, they own the trademark outright, all for an undisclosed 'substantial' amount of cash.

Why am I telling you this story?

Because it's a tale of persistence, of attachment, and of the power of branding. Imagine if Steve had given up at the first hurdle. We might be working on our 'Apple PCs' instead of our 'Macs'. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?

Remember, in business and in life, it's not just about the product; it's about the story you tell.

Does your business brand have a fun story behind it?

Steve Jobs Writes a Letter - This Day in Tech History November 16, 1982 Steve Jobs writes a letter to McIntosh Labs asking for rights to use “Macintosh” as the brand name of Apple’s still-in-development computer. McIntosh Labs makes high-end stereo equipment, and while Jef Raskin, creator of the Macintosh project, intentionally spelled the name w...

Beware of technical support scams. One man was recently charged with stealing $13 million from elderly people and small business owners.

Clifton man charged in $13M scam that targeted elderly, small business owners A Clifton man has been charged in connection with a $13 million scam that went after the elderly and small business owners.

Have you heard, there's a new feature in Microsoft Edge that promises to deliver the latest updates faster than ever before.

Let's paint a picture: Imagine you're at a party and you've got the scoop on the latest gossip before anyone else does. You're the cool kid, the one in the know. Feels good, doesn't it?

That's what Microsoft is offering with its shiny new 'Get the latest Microsoft Edge updates faster' toggle button. It's a golden ticket to the front of the line, a VIP pass to the freshest features... but hold on, let's not get too carried away.

Here's the twist: sometimes, being first isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, you get the bragging rights, but what about the risks? What if the gossip turns out to be false, and you're left red-faced? Or worse, what if the new update isn't fully tested and ends up messing up your browser?

You see, Microsoft releases updates in waves for a reason. It's like a safety net, ensuring that if anything goes wrong, it only affects a small group of users and not everyone.

It's why some people get to try out Windows 11 features before others. It's not favoritism; it's caution.

So, while the new toggle might seem exciting, remember it's turned off by default for a reason. Sometimes it's safer to stay with the crowd. After all, nobody wants to be that person who jumped into the deep end without checking if there's water in the pool, right?

In the world of updates, patience is a virtue. Let the eager beavers test the waters first. Once it's safe and secure, you can dive in and enjoy the new features without any worries. Doesn't that sound like a better plan?

If you need a hand with updates or anything else tech, we can help - get in touch.

Microsoft Edge might let you grab updates faster, but is it worth it? You can get Microsoft Edge updates as soon as they are available.

Has your smart home grown enough to need its own lightweight server? This is an interesting concept!

A Lightweight Smart Home Server Working towards automating a few things in a home often seems simple on the surface, but it’s easy for these projects to snowball into dozens of sensors and various servos, switches, and came…

Get your burger from the Digital Pick-up Lane at this first-of-its-kind Whataburger digital restaurant.

Whataburger Unveils First-of-its-Kind Digital Restaurant Model | Whataburger, the San Antonio-based burger chain, has launched its first-ever Digital Kitchen in Bee Cave, Texas. The new restaurant is a departure from traditional fast-food models, featuring no drive-thru and operating on a cashless basis. [...]

Ever downloaded an Android app that turned out to be not exactly what you were promised? Some apps are actually malicious, while pretending to be something else.

Good news: Google's got your back with an all-new feature in Google Play Protect that's like a bouncer for your apps. It scans the code of any new app in real-time, stopping any that seem potentially harmful from installing. How cool is that?

This is especially great news for business owners who provide company-issued phones to staff. No more worrying whether that innocent-looking app is actually a Trojan horse. Google Play Protect keeps your devices and data safe.

But why now?

Google is stepping up its game to counter predatory financial loan apps. These nasty apps have been harassing users, gaining access to data, and causing serious harm. In fact, Google removed over 3,500 such apps last year alone.

'Bad actors are inventive,' says Google’s Saikat Mitra. But guess what? So is Google. And they're working tirelessly to stay one step ahead.

The real question is, can you afford NOT to take advantage of this new feature?

Android's new real-time app scanning aims to combat malicious sideloaded apps | TechCrunch Here's our hands-on review of the new Android security feature, which scans sideloaded apps for malicious content.

There's a new AI kid on the block, and it's got a rebellious streak. Have you heard about Grok? It's Elon Musk's latest venture (because he clearly has plenty of spare time after running X (y’know, Twitter), Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company).

Grok is a chatbot with a sense of humor. It promises to answer ‘spicy’ questions that other AI systems might reject.

Grok is currently in its early beta stage and available by invite only, but Musk assures us that it will soon be a part of the X Premium Plus subscription. It's an LLM (large language model), designed to answer almost anything and effectively be your research assistant on a variety of topics.

The main differences between Grok and its rivals seem to lie in Grok's focus on humor and its real-time knowledge of the world, sourced from X. It also boasts 'significant improvements in reasoning and coding capabilities', according to xAI.

Here's the really interesting part: Grok has been trained to answer questions most other AI systems would reject, and it comes with a warning label: 'Please don’t use it if you hate humor!” So, if you're tired of overly politically correct AI, then Grok might just be the chatbot for you.

Of course, we'll have to wait and see how Grok works in the real world, but it's definitely an exciting development in the AI industry.

Do you currently use a chatbot? If not, would you consider it in the future? And more importantly, would you be prepared to give Grok a try?

Elon Musk's new AI chatbot will answer the 'spicy' questions that ChatGPT won't But how exactly does Grok compare to ChatGPT?

Need a better network for your office without spending a fortune? Check out these top Wi-Fi mesh routers for smaller companies.

Top 10 Wi-Fi Mesh Routers For Small Businesses Top 10 Wi-Fi Mesh Routers For Small Businesses

Think that you have your Alexa under control? This new study says otherwise! Learn how smart home devices are spying on you under your nose.

Are smart home devices spying on us? A new study says yes In the age of technology, where convenience often trumps other considerations, smart home devices have surged in popularity