Issue 9

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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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

Microsoft announces Office 2021, available for Windows and macOS later this year

Image from The Verge

As more and more application switch to a subscription based model users have to either adapt to the change or find an alternative. Many users rely on Microsoft Office on a daily basis. This news is very welcome for those who are not ready to jump onto the subscription bandwagon for Office. With the 2021 version of Office expect very few changes from the 2019 version. About the only major change will be the addition of Dark Mode.

Office 2021 will be available later this year.

Cyber Security

This Researcher Hacked Into 35 Major Tech Companies, Including Microsoft, Tesla, and Netflix

Image from Gizmodo

While this researcher was not attempting to be malicious this does show that all major companies are vulnerable to attacks and hacks. This researcher was actually looking for vulnerabilities so they could be patched.

This is another good reminder that you are ultimately responsible for protecting your accounts, data, and identity. How can you provide this protection?

Never reuse a password more than once.
Use a password manager and create unique and complex passwords.
Ensure you are backing up your data.
Enroll in identity protection.
Have virus and malware protection on your computers.
Be aware of your online activities, do not share sensitive information.
Do not click on suspicious links or open unknown emails and attachments.

Malicious actors will use any means available to them to compromise a system to accomplish their goals. The best offense here is a good defense.

Do you need assistance with securing your systems and data? Do you need help with finding and setting up identity protection? Reach out and we will be happy to help!

Windows

Microsoft's next Windows 10 21H1 has essentially one new feature

Image from PCWorld

Microsoft's next feature release will be a relatively minor update. If you are a user of the Windows Hello feature you may welcome the new ability to choose an external camera priority when using displays with integrated cameras. The other new feature is the Windows Defender Application Guard or WDAG. The remaining updates are primarily bug fixes. As with any update this will still be important to have primarily due to the bug fixes. Check out the linked article for information on how to get the update.

In most cases with Windows 10 Microsoft has chosen to have windows automatically download and install most updates. Some updates will require a reboot, such as the feature updates, and a notification will be display in the task bar that an update is needed. You can also manually check for and install updates in Windows 10 as well.

Windows 10 Update: Sun Valley release date and features are as close as we'll get to Windows 11

Image from PC Gamer

While the forthcoming update (21H1) will be a relatively minor update the next update coming later in the year is expected to be a substantial update. If you are not a big fan of change you may want to start preparing yourself as the next update (21H2) will bring an updated look to Windows 10. Check out this linked article and the following article to see all of the currently known and proposed changes and additions coming to Windows 10 this fall.

What’s New in Windows 10’s 21H2 Update, Coming Winter 2021

Image from How-To Geek

Checked out this article for additional information on the fall update (21H2) of Windows 10.

Apple

Apple Maps Will Soon Get Waze's Best Features

Image from Gizmodo

If you are an Apple user and prefer to use Waze over Apple Maps you may soon have a reason to once again consider Apple's maps. When Apple releases iOS 14.5 later this spring Apple Maps will support the ability to report a speed check, accident, or other hazard. Apple Maps already show traffic and if there is an accident or hazard but now users will be able to report these events, indicate if they are still occurring, or note that the incident has cleared. Check out the linked article for more information and to read about other changes coming to Apple Maps.

Apple Offers Its Closest Look Yet at iOS and MacOS Security

Imaged from Wired

As many people know Apple has generally, and still is, fairly secretive about its products and their inner workings. A decade ago Apple began releasing security guides for its operating systems. Apple's newest release to this security guide adds a lot more information and insight. While the security guide is aimed more at organizations and researchers there is information that will be useful to anyone who has an interest. Check out the linked article for more information and for a link to the latest security guide from Apple.

Tips & Tricks

You Have a Million Tabs Open. Here’s How to Manage Them

Image from Wired

How many browser tabs do you have open on a daily basis? Do you struggle to keep up with them or find a specific tab amongst them all? Check out the linked article for information on how you can better manage your browser tabs. You will find both native browser and third party options. If you find you need assistance with implementing browser tab management please reach out and we will be happy to help.

Useful Information

What Actually Happens When You Block Someone on Your iPhone

Image from Lifehacker

Have you ever wondered what actually happens when you block someone on your phone? Do they get a message that they've been blocked, do their calls/messages get dropped, or something else? When you block someone they will not explicitly know they've been blocked as they will not get any message or notice that they were blocked. If they try to message you the messages will not be delivered and when they try to call they will go straight to voicemail. This is useful for any unwanted or spam call and even for those who you've asked to stop calling/messaging but don't. Check out the article for information on how to block someone as well as other features to handle unwanted or unknown callers/senders.

FAQ of the Week

How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows

Image from MUO

Each week we will address a frequently asked question. This week we are looking at the topic of high CPU or processor usage in Windows.

The CPU is the brains of your computer and will process all the various tasks that run on your computer. If there are too many tasks, or if one task takes up most of the CPUs processing cycles, the CPU will become overwhelmed. This causes the performance or speed of the computer to slow down.

You can reduce the chances of this happening by closing open windows and apps when you no longer need them. You can also check the Task Manager to see what apps & processes are using a high amount of the CPU. If the CPU usage is really high it may be best to reboot your system. Check out the linked article for additional tips.

If you have questions about the CPU usage or need help to resolve an issue please reach out and we will be happy to help!

What is a CPU? Here is a definition from TechTerms.