Issue 17

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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News

Apple, Amazon smart home partnership expects devices by end of 2021

Image from Apple Insider

For many years there has been a lot of growth in the smart home/device sector. Many companies have entered the market which has created many different competing protocols and platforms. This has sometimes made it difficult for users to know what to get or use and what may be compatible. In other cases a user may be invested on one system and then a new device comes out that would improve their setup but is not compatible with their system. Changing systems is not always easy and can be expensive.

Now there is a new program call "Project CHIP" that will soon start certifying compatible devices later this year. This will allow communications between the different technologies and platforms. Please review the linked article for more details.

Hard Drive and SSD Shortages Could Be Imminent If New Cryptocurrency Blooms

Image from Tom's Hardware

This will be worth watching as this new Cryptocurancy uses storage space for mining instead of a processor or graphics card. If you have a need for a new drive we would recommend purchasing it sooner rather than later as prices are expected to increase as the supply decreases due to the increased buying currently being seen in China. This is not expected to affect consumer drives and those under 4TB.

What is Cryptocurrency? Check out this article to learn more.

Cyber Security

Is Windows Defender Good Enough to Protect Your PC by Itself?

Image from PCMag

If you are not aware, Windows 10 comes with its own built in anti-virus security program, Windows Defender. When the software was first released it wasn't the greatest but over time has improved. In its current form it will do a good job but there is still room for improvement. We are still advising our clients to get a third party solution but in a pinch you can use Windows Defender for an extended length of time and be ok.

Check out the linked article for a more detailed review. If you need any assistance with determining which anti-virus/malware product to use then reach out and we will be glad to assist.

Microsoft

Microsoft releases the preview of Office 2021 for Windows and Office 2021 for Mac

Image from MSPoweruser

We previously reported that a new version of Microsoft Office would be released later this year. Microsoft has now released a preview of Office 2021. While this preview version may not be available for everyone it is a good sign that the new version is progressing and getting closer to its full release.

Microsoft Is Adding a Performance Mode to the Edge Browser

Image from PCMag

Last week we discussed moving over to Microsoft's Edge browser. Now Microsoft is releasing a performance mode that will reportedly improve a specific browser tab's performance. As this feature becomes more prevalent we will begin to see actual data and tests on this feature. This is a welcome addition for certain situations where one tab may need a boost in performance. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Windows

5 great security tools built right into Windows

Image from PC World

Since the pandemic has forced many businesses and users to rely on technology more than ever before security has become and even more important topic. Windows has several built-in features to help secure your system. Check out the linked article for full details and hopefully you will start to take advantage of them if you are not doing so already.

If you need any assistance with these features please reach out and will will be happy to help.

5 Things That Still Really Annoy Us About Windows 10

Image from MUO

Many Windows users have a love/hate relationship with the operating system. There are many things about the OS that really contribute to this and we do agree with many of them. As Windows is continually being updated it is our hope that these annoyances will be addressed by Microsoft. With the forthcoming update later this year it is possible some of these items may be addressed since there will be a major focus on the UI, user interface.

What are your personal Windows 10 annoyances? Let us know and we may be able to address them.

Google

How to Find the Exact Date You Created Your Gmail Account

Image from MUO

If you ever need to recover your Google account you may need to know the date your account was created. Check out the linked article for a few ways to find this information.

Tips & Tricks

How to Record Calls on an iPhone

Image from PCMag

At one time or another we all had a need to record a call on our iPhone. While there is no built in option to do this there are many third party solutions and other "hacks" available that can allow you to record your calls. Check out the linked article for full details. You should also check the laws where you live to ensure you are not illegally recording any calls.

FAQ of the Week

What Is PUP Malware and How Do You Remove It?

Image from MUO

Each week we will address a frequently asked question. This week we are addressing how to remove PUP malware.

What Is a Potentially Unwanted Program? A PUP, or potentially unwanted program, is a term used by security companies to describe software that users typically do not want on their computers.

PUPs aren’t necessarily malicious. It’s even possible that you downloaded one on purpose.

But if a program is flagged as a PUP, it means that it is doing something that the vast majority of computer users do not want.

For example, it might be attempting to change your browser home page. Or worse, it may be attempting to spy on you.

While PUPs may not be dangerous or malicious that can cause problems. Removing them can be as simple as uninstalling a program or using an anti-virus/malware application. Check out the linked article for full details on how to deal with PUPs.

If you need any assistance dealing with PUPs or any malware/virus infection please reach out and will will be happy to help!