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.
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POST by ResTech Solutions
Cyber Security
What Is Typosquatting? How to Protect Yourself Against It
Image from MUO
A form of URL hijacking, typosquatting targets people who accidentally mistype a website address into the browser.
This is a serious concern. We are all human and make mistakes. Typing and spelling are common areas where we will make these mistakes. That is why cybercriminals take advantage of these mistakes to fool or trick people into providing personally identifiable information (PII) or to get them to buy their products. This isn't just a concern for the websites themselves but for the users trying to access the websites.
As a user, there are ways you can protect yourself.
- Always double-check your spelling.
- Ensure you have the correct domain or URL.
- Know the correct domain extension, .com vs. .org.
- If you don't know the website you can always perform a search for the company or business you are looking for to get a link back to their site.
- Double-check links to ensure they go where you expect them to.
Your Pa$$word Doesn't Matter
Image from Microsoft
With the ever-increasing waves of cyberattacks and data breaches more and more of our passwords are being compromised. There are many ways in which cybercriminals can get a password and then try and use it. There are also multiple ways the passwords can be used to access an account.
In short, based on the linked article, your password does not matter but what does is that you are using multifactor authentication (MFA).
microsoft.comThe point is – your password, in the case of breach, just doesn’t matter – unless it’s longer than 12 characters and has never been used before – which means it was generated by a password manager.
Microsoft
Office 2021 vs. Microsoft 365: Which One Should You Use?
Image from MUO
The answer here is not so simple. It is easy if you have a Microsoft 365 business subscription, typically for email, and you opt for the license that included the Office desktop apps. This makes sense as you will likely need the regular feature updates depending on your business needs.
For a home user, there is more to consider. I know many individuals prefer to pay a one-time fee version a subscription and if that is your main goal then get Office 2021. Just know, when you go this route you will not get any new features for Office, only security patches. The subscription model will give you the features as they are released. The other benefit of the 365 or subscription version is there are additional benefits and services that are included that do not come with the 2021 version.
It is very possible that in the future Microsoft will no longer offer the one-time purchase option for Office. So at some point, you may have to switch to the subscription model to continue to get feature updates for Office. Until then check out the linked article for more information to help you decide which is the best route for you today.
makeuseof.com
Windows
Microsoft confirms two new issues with Windows 11, including a BSOD issue
Image from MSPoweruser
If you are one of the early users who have upgraded to Windows 11 there are two new issues you need to be aware of.
- If you have installed KB5007215 or later updates you may have an issue repairing or updating apps with the Microsoft Installer (MSI).
- There are compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and Windows 11 that are leading to BSOD (Blue Screen of Death).
Please be aware that at the time the linked article was published the above issues were unresolved.
If you have yet to upgrade to Windows 11 we are recommending that you wait a bit longer until many of the initial bugs or issues can be resolved.
mspoweruser.com
Most Users Aren't Running the Latest Version of Windows 10. Here's Why.
Image from MUO
Running updates is critical to keeping your computer running and secure. As issues are discovered and fixes put into place they need to be pushed out via an update. When new features get released they are also pushed out as an update.
Many users find the constant updates with Windows to be a hassle. Updating is important and if users do not want to manage or keep up with the updates themselves they can turn to a third party to manage this for them. (This is one of the services we provide to our clients).
Not updating isn't an option. If your version of Windows is too far behind it will find itself on the list of versions Microsoft no longer supports.
- How to check your Windows version - Click here
- View the Windows 10 Home & Pro support dates - Click here
The linked article was written before the announcement of Windows 11.
makeuseof.com
Apple
9 Common iCloud Problems on iPhone and iPad (And How to Fix Them)
Image from MUO
In order to use an iPhone or an iPad, you must have or need to have an iCloud account. From time to time you may encounter an issue with the service and need to know how to address it. More than likely you have or will experience one of the 9 common problems mentioned in the linked article.
Check out the linked article for the list of the common problems and their solutions.
makeuseof.com
Tips & Tricks
What Are Wildcards in Excel? How to Use Them
Image from MUO
Wildcard characters are special characters in Microsoft Excel that let you extend or narrow down your search query. You can use these wildcards to find or filter data, and you can also use them in formulas.
Check out the linked article to learn how to use wildcards in Excel.
makeuseof.com
How to Create a Custom Header in Microsoft Word
Image from MUO
Many businesses and individuals use Microsoft Word to create many different types of documents. If you want to have your brand or logo on your files read the linked article that explains how to make a template or custom header with just a few clicks on your Word documents to use when you want.
makeuseof.com
Useful Information
PC Operating Temperatures: How Hot Is Too Hot?
Image from MUO
Heat is one of your computer's enemies. Excessive heat will degrade the internal components of your computer and lead to performance issues. How do you know what is too hot? How can you help to regulate the temperature of your computer? These are great questions and are answered, along with others, in the linked article.
makeuseof.com
7 Smartphone Repair Myths Debunked
Image from MUO
Over the years we have all heard of various myths on how we can repair our smartphones. It is important to know the truth behind these myths so you don't make the situation worse than it is. Check out the linked article for full details on these myths and what you should actually do.
makeuseof.com