No Limits Media

There's yet another scam going around on Facebook. This one’s targeting people with fake Windows desktop themes. These ads look legit but they hide some nasty malware (malicious software) that can steal your passwords and other sensitive info.

Cyber criminals are using Facebook business pages and ads to promote these fake themes. They're not just stopping at themes either – they're also pushing downloads for pirated games, software like Photoshop, and even AI tools. When you click on these ads, they take you to what looks like a real download page. But instead of the software you wanted, you get a zip file full of malware.

The ads come from both new and hijacked pages, sometimes with thousands of ads for each campaign. Names like "blue-softs," "xtaskbar-themes," and "awesome-themes-desktop" are common. These pages are often run by people in Vietnam or the Philippines and they're really good at making their ads look trustworthy.

If you think you might have fallen for one of these scams, don't panic. Here’s what you should do:

Disconnect from the internet to prevent further data theft.

Run a full system scan with a reliable antivirus program to detect and remove the malware.

Change your passwords immediately, especially for sensitive accounts like email, banking, and, of course, Facebook.

Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts where it’s available. This adds an extra layer of security.

Alternatively, get in touch and we can help.

And to avoid falling victim in the future, always be cautious about downloading anything from ads or sources you're not familiar with. Stick to official websites and trusted sources.

Have you seen these ads doing the rounds?

Did you know you can scan documents to create PDFs from your iPhone using the Notes app? Yep, and there’s no need for extra apps or software. I know a lot of people who have found this really useful.

First, open the Notes app and start a new note by tapping the icon in the lower right corner. Then, select the Attach icon (the paper clip) and tap on Scan Documents. Position your iPhone over the document you want to scan, ideally on a plain surface for better accuracy. Notes will automatically detect the document, highlight it with an orange overlay, and scan it, saving a thumbnail in the lower-left corner.

If you have multiple pages, just move on to the next one. After scanning all pages, tap Save in the lower right corner.

To edit, tap on the thumbnail to adjust margins, switch to grayscale, rotate, or delete scans. If you’re happy with the scan, tap Done in the top left corner, then Save.

You can also convert existing documents in other apps like Files, Safari, or Photos, to PDFs. Open the file, tap the Share icon, and choose either Markup or Print. With Markup, you can even draw on the PDF before saving. If you choose Print, long-press the thumbnail to generate a PDF, then tap the Share icon to save it.

This simple method helps you keep your documents organized and easily accessible. It’s not a business solution but it is handy if you only do this now and again.

Try it out today and let me know how helpful it is.

Ready for a big upgrade to Microsoft Excel on the web? It’s getting a major makeover, designed to make your workflows smoother and more efficient.

So, what's new? Excel is getting a sleek, "Simple. Easy. Delightful" visual overhaul. This means slightly larger and less rigid sheets, columns, and rows, aligning with the more modern look of the rest of Microsoft 365.

The menu bars are now raised and simplified, offering fewer options for a clearer view. Plus, the colors in data fields are more vibrant, while the overall theme has shifted from the iconic green to a more neutral light gray.

But that's not all. There are some cool new features to look forward to as well. The new quick resize option allows you to easily adjust rows and columns by hovering over the border to bring up resizing handles, improving data visibility and presentation.

Adding rows and columns is now simpler with small circles that appear when you hover over a header, making it quick to add or remove fields. The drag and drop feature lets you move entire rows and columns with ease. The streamlined unhide feature allows you to display hidden rows and columns with a single click.

Additionally, you can freeze panes to keep important information in view no matter how far you scroll, and the new quick highlighting option lets you signify important fields with just a few clicks.

These updates are designed to make Excel more intuitive and user-friendly. The new features are rolling out to everyone who uses Microsoft Excel for web now. Have you tried it out yet?

Imagine hearing The Wizard of Oz narrated by Judy Garland herself. Thanks to a newly launched Reader App by ElevenLabs, you can now have AI versions of legendary voices read to you.

ElevenLabs has teamed up with the estates of iconic celebrities like Judy Garland, Burt Reynolds, and James Dean to create scarily realistic AI voice clones. These voices are available on their Reader App, allowing you to listen to any digital text, including articles, PDFs, and e-books, narrated by these Hollywood legends.

Judy Garland's daughter, Liza Minnelli, is thrilled about this, saying, "It's exciting to see our mother's voice available to the countless millions of people who love her."

This new technology not only preserves these incredible voices but also introduces them to new audiences.

Imagine how engaging and entertaining business reports, training materials, or even your favorite industry news could be with these narrations. It’s a great way to keep your team motivated and make the most mundane tasks a bit more enjoyable.

I think this is a really fun idea. Whose voice would you choose to narrate your next business report?

Today marks a huge milestone in tech history. On this day back in 1968, Intel was founded in Santa Clara, California by Robert Noyce, Andy Grove, and Gordon Moore. It’s fair to say their vision and innovation have shaped the tech world as we know it.

Did you know, Intel's journey began with the creation of the 4004, the first microprocessor, released in 1971 for use in calculators?

But the real game-changer came when IBM chose Intel’s 8088 processor for their IBM PC. This was a decision that catapulted Intel to the front of microprocessor manufacturing.

Intel's innovations have powered countless businesses, helping us to be more efficient, productive, and connected. From the early days of simple calculators to today’s advanced computing solutions, Intel has been at the heart of technological progress.

Let’s raise a toast to Intel’s incredible journey and the groundbreaking advancements they’ve brought to the world of business and beyond.

Happy birthday Intel!

What’s your take on this one? Not everyone’s a fan… Microsoft is adding some new features to Notepad on Windows 11: Spellcheck and autocorrect.

If you use Notepad regularly, you might notice some words underlined in red, just like in Microsoft Word. This means Notepad is highlighting spelling errors. There’s also a menu that pops up with options to correct the misspelled words or add new words to the dictionary. This can be really useful for catching typos and making sure your notes are error-free.

Microsoft started testing these features back in March. And after a few months, they’re now quietly being added to everyone's Notepad on Windows 11. While some people feel that these new features might make Notepad a bit bloated, others welcome them (especially since WordPad is no longer around).

Notepad has always been known as a simple, lightweight text editor. Some, especially those who use it for coding, may not need these new abilities. But for others having spellcheck and autocorrect can be helpful, making it easier to write and edit text without mistakes.

This isn't the first time Microsoft’s changed Notepad. Since Windows 11 launched, they've added features like a dark mode, making it more user-friendly. While there are concerns about adding too many features and slowing it down, these updates aim to make Notepad more versatile.

Is it a welcome update for you, or do you think Notepad is perfect the way it is?

Nearly 10 BILLION passwords have been leaked in one of the largest data breaches ever. A file called RockYou2024.txt, was posted online and contains an enormous 9,948,575,739 unique passwords.

This new leak combines passwords from old and recent hacks, adding 1.5 billion more passwords than the last big leak, RockYou2021. It means that cyber criminals now have almost 10 billion passwords to try and break into accounts using methods like brute force attacks and credential stuffing.

What are brute force attacks? Cyber criminals use software to automatically try every possible password combination until they get it right. For example, a simple password like "1234" can be cracked in seconds.

Credential stuffing is another technique where cyber criminals use usernames and passwords from leaked data and try them on other websites, hoping to get into poorly secured accounts.

To protect your business it's crucial to use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. This makes it harder for anyone to break in. Consider using a password manager; these tools can create and store strong passwords for you, keeping them safe and secure. Additionally, use multi factor authentication where you prove its you with a code from another device.

If you’re concerned about your details being leaked, or you want to make your business more secure, my team can help - get in touch.

Heads up! Microsoft is making some important changes to Outlook, and you might need to prepare. By the end of August, they want everyone to move from the legacy Outlook to the New Outlook for Windows. Here's what you need to know…

Last September, Microsoft launched the New Outlook for Windows, which brought a mix of reactions about privacy, user choice, and the overall experience. Despite this, Microsoft is moving forward with their plans.

Earlier this year, they announced a timeline for retiring the old versions. Starting around now, legacy Outlook applications on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows Mail and Calendar apps will begin to be phased out. By mid-August, if you’re using an outdated browser to access Outlook on the web, you'll encounter error messages urging you to update your browser.

Here’s your timeline:

Mid July 2024: Legacy Outlook apps will start losing functionality.

Mid-August 2024: Outdated web browsers will no longer support Outlook.

If you stick with the old versions, your team won’t be able to send or receive emails once these changes roll out. Plus, you'll miss out on new features and security updates designed to protect your business.

To avoid any disruption, start switching to the New Outlook for Windows now and make sure all your devices and browsers are up to date. This way, you'll stay connected and secure without any hiccups.

Want my team to take away all of this hassle for your business? Get in touch.

Microsoft Excel now lets you translate text automatically and detect the language of the text you type in. This update, available on Windows and Mac, is great for businesses working with multilingual data.

Here’s how it works:

Not sure what language “Hola mundo!” is? Just type =DETECTLANGUAGE(A1) (assuming it's in cell A1), and Excel will tell you it’s Spanish by returning “es.” Easy.

Want to translate “Hello, World!” into Spanish? Type =TRANSLATE(A1, “en,” “es”), and Excel will magically show “Hola mundo!” right in your spreadsheet. No need for external apps.

These features are currently in testing. Microsoft 365 Insiders on the Beta Channel can use them. All being well there’ll be a general rollout soon enough.

I bet you $10 there are loads of other hidden productivity features in Microsoft’s applications that would save your business time or money. Want to take that bet? Get in touch.

On this day back in 2001, the infamous Code Red worm was unleashed on the internet. Do you remember it? It was a wild time in the world of cyber security.

Code Red targeted a type of web server used by Microsoft, spreading rapidly and efficiently across the internet.

The worm's outbreak highlighted the critical need for robust cyber security measures. For business owners, it was a wake-up call to ensure that systems were secure and updated regularly.

Fast forward to today, and the lessons from Code Red still resonate: Always keep your software updated, disable unnecessary services, and invest in good cyber security practices.

The Code Red incident is a reminder of how far we've come in the fight against malware and the importance of staying vigilant. If it’s time to audit your business’s security measures, we can help. Get in touch.

Do you ever use Win + C as a shortcut on your PC. It’s had a few uses over the years, but not any more… it’s being switched off in an upcoming update.

Think back… do you remember the Windows 8 Charms Bar? Win + C was its shortcut. Then came Cortana in Windows 10, and the shortcut opened her instead. With Windows 11, Win + C was updated to open Copilot.

Now Microsoft is decoupling Copilot from the taskbar and offering it as a standalone app, making the shortcut unnecessary.

This move makes me wonder, is the Win + C shortcut cursed?

Every feature it’s been tied to has eventually been removed. Microsoft's decision to disable it raises questions about Copilot's future… but don’t worry, it's not going away. Copilot will still be available as an app on the taskbar, just not linked to Win + C.

While Copilot is now a web app you can open from the taskbar, the shortcut’s removal hints at bigger changes. Microsoft is shifting focus, especially towards enterprise customers.

What do you think? Is the Win + C shortcut cursed, or is it just coincidence?

Did you know it’s easy to change the look and feel of your Windows 11 desktop?

You can change the desktop background to a personal picture or choose a theme from the Microsoft Store. Go to Settings > Personalization > Background. You can select a single picture, use a slideshow, or choose a solid background color. You can even set a custom background for each virtual desktop if you use that feature.

Windows 11 allows you to switch between dark and light modes. You can also use a custom accent color across your desktop for a unique touch. Head to Settings > Personalization > Colors to play around with these options.

You can also easily arrange your favorite apps in the Start menu to keep everything you need at your fingertips. This helps you stay organized and improves your workflow.

You can change the alignment of the Taskbar, decide what items appear, and tweak the system tray settings. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar to customize it to your liking.

Themes are a quick way to change the entire look of your desktop. To get new themes, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes and browse the Microsoft Store. Download and apply the one you like to see the changes instantly.

What background are you using? A personal photo, scenery, or something else?

Microsoft has recently released a non-security update (KB5039302) for Windows 11, affecting versions 23H2 and 22H2. And while this update brings some new features, there's a problem - your PC might start restarting over and over again.

Annoying, right?

It might affect you if your business uses virtual machine tools or nested virtualization (think CloudPC, DevBox, Azure Virtual Desktop).

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue on their health release page. They’re already working on a fix and promise it will be included in the next update.

If you have this problem, you might need to perform a recovery operation to get your PCs back to normal. Can my team help you? Get in touch.

I just checked the latest stats, and nearly 30% of all Windows PCs are now running Windows 11. Are you using it in your business yet?

It’s a great choice. It has enhanced performance so you and your team can get more done, faster. And improved security features to protect your valuable business data.

Plus, the interface is clean and intuitive.

OK, so Windows 10 is still used by two thirds of PCs. But it’s slowly losing fans as it will reach end of life in 15 months’ time. Microsoft is already nudging people with reminders, and many will switch to avoid them!

If you’re not on Windows 11 yet, now’s a great time to consider upgrading. Would you like to chat to me and my team about the specific pros and cons for your business?

If you need assistance with this or any other aspect of your email security, feel free to explore our new blog or reach out to us.

Protect your business from a data leak with Microsoft Edge - No Limits Media Keeping your data away from the wrong hands is a big challenge. But thanks to Microsoft Edge for Business, it’s just become easier. Here we tell you why.

Do you do business with non-English speaking clients? Would you like to? Here’s a potential game changer for you…

Google Translate is adding 110 new languages to its library, thanks to the power of AI. This is its biggest expansion ever, leveraging Google's advanced PaLM 2 large language model (LLM). This AI tool helps translate languages more accurately and effectively than ever before.

Imagine the potential market expansion when you can now connect with approximately 614 million more people worldwide - that’s about 8% of the global population.

Whether your focus is on widely spoken languages like Cantonese and Punjabi (Shahmukhi) or unique dialects like Sicilian or Tok Pisin, Google Translate has got you covered now. It’s especially beneficial for businesses targeting specific ethnic communities or expanding into new regions.

The PaLM 2 LLM makes sure your translations are not just accurate but also culturally relevant. This means better communication with your clients and customers, leading to stronger relationships and more successful transactions.

Imagine being able to understand and respond to customer inquiries in their native language, providing better support and enhancing customer satisfaction. Or translating your marketing materials into multiple languages to reach a broader audience. The possibilities are endless.

The best part is that you can access these new languages on the web or via the Google Translate app on both Android and iOS devices. Whether you’re on-the-go or in the office, seamless communication is just a tap away.

Have you given Google Translate a go yet? Will it allow your business to do more?

Microsoft is working on an exciting update that could make it easier to manage your phone from your PC.

According to recent reports, Phone Link could be integrated into a new feature called the Companion panel. This floating panel, which can be docked to the left or right of the Start menu, will display real-time information just like the Live Tiles of old. The idea is to bring your phone's notifications and updates directly to your PC's Start menu, making it more convenient to keep track of messages, calls, and more while you work.

Imagine being able to see all your phone's important notifications right on your PC without having to pick up your phone. Whether it’s a text message, a call, or an app notification, everything will be right there in the Start menu. This integration will save you time and keep you focused on your work, boosting your productivity.

While this feature is still in the testing phase and not officially confirmed, it seems very likely that Microsoft will roll it out soon. Given how much effort they’re putting into integrating phones with Windows, this move makes perfect sense.

This update is part of Microsoft's broader effort to make devices work better together. With Apple introducing iPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia, it's clear that deep integration of phones into desktop operating systems is the future.

Is this a feature you’ll be excited to try out?

Ever accidentally deleted an important file and needed it back ASAP? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Luckily, deleted files aren’t really gone forever.

When you delete a file in Windows, it goes to the Recycle Bin. To restore a file, head to the Recycle Bin on your desktop. If you don’t see it, right-click on the desktop, go to Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings, and check the Recycle Bin option. You can also find it in File Explorer’s left-hand navigation pane or by searching for it in the taskbar search bar.

Once inside the Recycle Bin, you can:

- Click "Empty Recycle Bin" to delete everything in it.
- Click "Restore all items" to bring back everything.
- Select specific files and click "Restore the selected items" to recover them.

By default, files stay in the Recycle Bin for 30 days before they’re permanently deleted. But you can change this. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. Toggle on "Automatic User content cleanup" and adjust how long files stay in the Recycle Bin.

Need to permanently delete a file right away? Select the file in File Explorer and press Shift + Delete. You’ll get a warning, but once you confirm, the file is gone for good.

If your files are backed up to OneDrive, they also have their own Recycle Bin. Access OneDrive on the web or via the cloud icon in your taskbar. In the OneDrive Recycle Bin, you can:

- Restore files deleted in the last 30 days.
- Select individual files to delete or restore.
- Click "Empty recycle bin" to erase everything permanently or "Restore all items" to recover everything.

When a file synced to both OneDrive and your PC is deleted, it goes to the Recycle Bin in both places, but the bins aren’t synced. So, if you’ve permanently deleted it from one place, it might still be recoverable from the other.

Remember, if you’re selling or getting rid of a device, make sure to completely wipe your files to protect your privacy! I can help with that - get in touch.

Ever imagined a supercomputer on your wrist? Maybe not, but an electrical engineer named Chris Fenton has done just that, miniaturizing a 1990s Cray C90 supercomputer into a wristwatch.

Using 3D printing he’s crafted a tiny marvel. The watch even has a battery with a built-in charger and can be worn with a NATO-style wrist strap.

But here's where it gets fun: Instead of just telling the time, this super-watch runs a complex simulation of Jupiter and its 63 moons. He wrote a special program that mimics Cray instructions to show how these celestial bodies interact gravitationally. To tell the time, you look at the positions of Jupiter’s moons – sounds like a challenge!

While it's more of a fun project than a practical device, it’s a great example of how far technology has come. This mini supercomputer wristwatch pushes the boundaries of what we can create and showcases the incredible potential of modern tech.

Imagine the possibilities for your business. While you might not need a supercomputer on your wrist, embracing cutting-edge technology can give you a competitive edge.

Which of your business gadgets would you like to shrink down?

Today might be a big day as we celebrate Independence Day, but did you know that July 4th marks a significant anniversary in the world of technology too?

On this day in 1956, MIT’s Whirlwind computer became the first in the world to let people input commands using a keyboard. Before this innovation, all inputs were done through dials, switches, and punch cards.

Could you imagine doing work without a keyboard??? NO THANKS! I’m a fan of dictating text, but I still need my keyboard (mostly to correct it).

Do you think dictation will take over eventually, or will we always have keyboards?

If you need assistance with this or any other aspect of your email security, feel free to explore our new blog or reach out to us.

Ransomware threats are surging – here’s how to protect your business - No Limits Media After years of decline, ransomware attacks are on the rise again. And more businesses are being targeted. It’s time to protect your data. Here we explain how.

Today I have a quick heads-up about a little hiccup in the latest Windows 10 update. You might have noticed your taskbar acting strangely. Specifically, when you right-click on a pinned app, instead of the usual menu to access recent files or common features, you might see the 'Open with...' menu.

Not helpful, right?

Thankfully, it only affects a small number of people and only certain apps, not all of them. Still, it can be confusing and annoying if you're one of the unlucky few.

What’s the solution for now? Microsoft has identified the problem and will include a fix in an upcoming update for Windows 10 (version 22H2). This fix should be available soon.

Meantime, if this bug is disrupting your workflow, it might be a good time to consider upgrading to Windows 11. This comes with a lot of new features and improvements that make everyday tasks smoother and more efficient. Plus, with Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, an upgrade is something your business really should consider.

Has this bug affected you?

🎆 Happy Independence Day from No Limits Media! 🎆

As we celebrate the 4th of July, we reflect on the courage and determination that have shaped our nation's history. In honor of this special day, No Limits Media will be closed tomorrow to allow our team to enjoy time with family and friends.

We'll reopen on Friday, July 5th, ready to continue delivering exceptional services. Until then, let's cherish the freedoms we hold dear and celebrate the spirit of unity that defines us.

Wishing you a safe and joyous Independence Day filled with laughter, love, and memorable moments! 🇺🇸

Microsoft Defender, the built-in antivirus for Windows, usually does a great job of keeping our computers safe from viruses and threats. But a strange bug has been spotted that you should be aware of.

If you type "This content is no longer available." or "This content is no longer available!" in Notepad and save it, Microsoft Defender will flag it as a Trojan and delete the file immediately.

Why does this happen? Well, it turns out that these specific sentences have been associated with past threats, so Defender is just being extra cautious.

While it’s a bit of a head-scratcher, the good news is that it’s not a serious security issue. The text itself isn’t harmful, and if you slightly change it (like adding a space or changing the punctuation), Defender won’t flag it. And let’s face it, it’s unlikely you’ll need to write and save that in a file anyway, right?

Despite this funny little bug, Microsoft Defender is still a solid antivirus choice. And Microsoft is likely to fix this glitch soon.

In the meantime, if you do need to save a file with that exact text, you can exclude the folder from Defender’s scans. Check in with your IT team first please.

Remember, virus protection is vital for keeping your business safe from cyber threats. If you have any questions or need help finding the best antivirus solution for your needs, I can help - get in touch.

Wi-Fi 7, the next generation of super fast wireless internet, is here. But there's a catch – Microsoft just announced it’s only supported on the latest version of Windows 11 (24H2), specifically on Copilot+ PCs, for now.

What's Wi-Fi 7? Think of it as turbo-charging your internet connection. Faster downloads, smoother video calls, and better overall performance. It’s perfect for businesses needing speed and reliability.

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve got Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11 24H2, you’re in luck. You’ll be among the first to experience better Wi-Fi. If not, you’re going to have to wait to use it with Windows.

Good news though. This version of Windows 11 is rolling out to everyone later this year, possibly around September. Microsoft might even expand Wi-Fi 7 to earlier versions of Windows 11 (like 23H2) soon.

As for Windows 10 fans, it looks like this upgrade won’t be making its way there. Sorry. With Windows 10 support ending in just over a year, it’s no surprise that new features like Wi-Fi 7 aren’t being added.

If your business relies on top-tier internet performance, it might be time to consider upgrading to Windows 11, or investing in new devices. I can help you decide what’s right for you with an IT audit - get in touch.

If you’re sticking with the classic Outlook app for now, you’ll like this: Microsoft’s AI assistant, Windows Copilot, is finally coming to the older version of Outlook. So, even if you’re not ready to switch to the new Outlook app, you won’t miss out on some of Copilot’s awesome features.

With Copilot, you'll get three powerful tools: Summarize, Coaching, and Draft.

The Summarize feature will help you quickly get the main points from long email threads, saving you time and making sure you don't miss any important details. It's perfect for busy professionals who need to stay on top of communications without getting bogged down in lengthy emails.

Coaching is like having a personal email consultant. It offers tips on how to write the perfect email, focusing on clarity and tone. This can be especially useful for improving the effectiveness of your business communication and making sure your messages hit the right note.

And Draft allows Copilot to take the reins and create entire emails for you based on a few prompts. This can be a huge time-saver, letting you focus on other important tasks while Copilot handles the initial draft of your emails.

Microsoft has also announced plans to add even more Copilot features to the classic Outlook app in the near future. While these features might debut first on the new Outlook app (the 2023 version), you can still look forward to them being available on the classic version within the next year.

Are you a diehard classic Outlook fan or have you switched to the new version?