POST
Welcome to POST by ResTech Solutions
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Every week we will bring you new content covering recent events and news related to technology, Microsoft, Apple, Google, tips & tricks, useful information, and more! To read the full articles in our newsletters you can either click on the image or article headline. We've had a great response each week to our newsletter and we've been hard at work to bring you even more great information this week. Please let us know what you've enjoyed thus far about our newsletter. To see past issues click on the archives link above.
Why the name POST? In the world of computers POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is the action computers take when they are first powered on to check their basic functionality prior to loading the operating system. We decided to take this same concept and to provide you with useful technology information at the beginning of your week to help get you started. POST is also a term associated with news as well and we felt this was an appropriate and fitting name.
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POST by ResTech Solutions
News
Windows 10 update fixes PC slowdown issues and interface glitches
Image from TechRadar
If you've recently been experiencing performance issues and glitches within Windows then you may want to check out the optional Windows update Microsoft recently released. The linked article and the one mentioned below provide more details on what the optional update addresses. With optional updates you will typically have to manually install them as they are not urgent updates and may not always be needed. You can find the update in the updates section of the Settings app. If you have any questions about this optional update or need help to install the update please reach out and we will be glad to help!
You can also check out this article from Make Use Of for additional information.
techradar.com
Cyber Security
Spring Forward Into Digital Security With These Tips
Image from PCMag
We are always educating our clients on a variety of topics. None are more important than learning how to be safe in the digital space (computers, online, phones, etc.). The past year plus of the pandemic has changed how we work and interact. This has also brought new threats and an increase in cyber crime. Have you kept up with all the changes and do you know how to protect yourself? There is no need to worry if you have not. Use this linked article as a starting point. For everyone else this is a good reminder to give your digital security a check up.
Not sure where to begin or just need some extra help? We are here to assist, please reach out and we will be happy to help.
pcmag.com
Please Stop Using Text Messaging to Receive Login Codes
Image from Lifehacker
Did you know that using text messages to receive login codes is not as secure as you might think?
What you may not know is that it can be fairly easy to route messages from your number to another number. Many phone service providers do not have mechanisms in place to verify a person has authorization to redirect the numbers/messages.
Where possible opt to use an authentication app instead of text message. Use a more secure two-step authentication process. Not all services support alternative options to text messages so you may want to consider using a monitoring tool to alert you if your texts get routed elsewhere.
Having any second step for verification is still better than none at all. Don't stop using these methods just because there is a possibility it can be compromised
lifehacker.com
Microsoft Defender will automatically prevent Exchange server exploits
Image from Engadget
Microsoft is continuing to protect its users against the Exchange server exploits discovered earlier this year. They are now updating their own Microsoft Defender antivirus product to protect against one of the exploits. Check out the linked article for more information. If your business runs its own Exchange server in house then you will also want to ensure your IT group is applying all patches and security updates as they are released. If you are using a cloud hosted solution with Exchange then the email provider should be applying these updates.
engadget.com
Windows
5 Quick Tips for Removing Spyware on Windows 10
Image from MUO
What is spyware? Here is a definition from TechTerms.
Spyware is another form of malware. If you have protection already on your computer from viruses and malware then you are also protected against spyware. While no solution can prevent 100% of infections you will have less of a chance of getting something unwanted on your computer. Checked out the linked article to learn how to deal with and remove spyware.
If you need any assistance please reach out and we will be glad to help.
makeuseof.com
12 Unnecessary Windows Programs and Apps You Should Uninstall
Image from MUO
Keeping your computer clean and free of clutter will help to keep it running well and free of bloat. Spring has always been a good time to clean your house and you should add your computer to the list of things to clean. In this case we are referring to the software and files installed on the computer. Check for programs/applications you no longer need or use and uninstall them. Any outdated software can also be a potential risk. Review your files and clean out those you no longer need. Proper and regular maintenance will help to extend the life of your system.
makeuseof.com
Apple
How Do I Get iOS to AirDrop JPG Images Instead of HEICs?
Image from Lifehacker
With the recent updates over the last few years Apple has introduced new formats and software to improve performance and make things more efficient. This has also caused a compatibility issue with other systems. In this particular case the HEIC file format. More and more systems are adding support for it but many still prefer to use JPG images instead as they are more compatible. Check out the linked article to learn how to change the format used on the iPhone.
lifehacker.com
Tips & Tricks
How to Reduce the Size of a JPEG: 5 Ways
Image from MUO
There are many times when we need to resize a photo. Most cameras out put large image files, both in dimensions and file size. Depending on how you need to use image you may want to change one or both. Note: You can reduce the size of an image but not make it larger than the original size (dimensions).
Check out the linked article for several options on how to accomplish this task. One of our favorite online tools can be found here.
makeuseof.com
4 Useful Microsoft Word Tips & Tricks You Should Know About
Image from MUO
Microsoft Word is used in nearly every business. While not everyone will consider themselves a power user there are certain features that can up your Microsoft Word skillset. By learning about these features you may find Word to be even more useful than before. Check out the linked article for these tips. As a bonus the article has links to even more tips & tricks for Microsoft Word.
makeuseof.com
FAQ of the Week
Should I Keep My Laptop Battery Plugged In All The Time?
Image from Fossbytes
Each week we will address a frequently asked question. This week we are looking at how often a laptop battery should be plugged in.
Most laptop batteries are either lithium-ion or lithium-polymer. These batteries are designed to withstand numerous charge cycles. These batteries can not be overcharged, which means that as soon as they are 100% charged, they stop charging. These batteries stop receiving energy which is bypassed directly to your laptop’s power supply. So, keeping it plugged in won’t harm your battery and cause much difference to the overall battery life. But, there are some other critical factors that we’ll be discussing later.
Check out the linked article for full details about your laptop's battery.
fossbytes.com