Why Data Security is Important

Data security is important. Be sure to protect your information.

In a world of instant information, we can access all sorts of things. The internet and modern tech have brought a streamlined approach to just about everything we do from banking information to emails, personal photos, and business documents. However, with all the fancy additions and places we can store important information, we often overlook a vital aspect to it: security. Just like the key combination to a safe, it’s critical to protect your information, no matter what it is.

For personal reasons, it’s probably obvious. In another article, I touched over the usefulness of a mobile wallet (your smartphone). However, I also highlighted a few risks that come with storing all the info in one place. While I’ll be covering data security for general usage, from smartphones to personal computers to businesses, some basic precautions will always apply. Read more. . .

Five Ways to Speed Up Your Mac

Mac computers may not be prone to catching viruses, but they can be slowed down over time due to years of buildup and use. Using these tips can help you free up some space on your Mac and get it moving faster.

1. Give It a Break!

When was the last time you shut your computer down? This is something that most people don’t even think about. Either it’s their work computer, and they don’t think twice about leaving it running because they aren’t paying the electricity bill, or it’s their personal computer, and they are constantly using it for browsing the internet, sending emails, streaming videos, and more. It’s easy to forget that your computer needs a break. Let it shut down completely more often. Closing down all applications and letting your computer restart can do wonders for how fast it runs. If possible, shut it down every night before bed. Read more. . .

Benefits of Using Microsoft Office 365 in the Workplace

Microsoft Office 365 is cloud-based subscription service that can help businesses increase productivity and enhance the workplace. Here are some benefits of using the service.

Everyone Stays Connected

With access to unlimited online meetings, instant messaging, and Skype for Business, you’ll never need to worry about keeping your employees connected again. The corporate video portal available in two of the Enterprise options of Microsoft Office 365 allows you to upload and share corporate videos, and most versions provide employees with business class email, calendar, and contacts. Read more. . .

Why Email Protection and Encryption is Important For Any Business

There’s a tendency to believe that the dangers of email hacking are mostly hype. If you’re anything like me you look over the fairly pedestrian contents of your inbox and wonder why anyone would even bother trying to get at them. Are complicated passwords really necessary to protect messages about work flows and projects that could only really interest the people working on them? If you’re running a business, every dollar already has two jobs to do. Does it really make sense to spend money on consultants and software to protect emails? Read more. . .

Google to Improve Wireless Services

Google confirmed that it’s going to enter the wireless carrier business, but don’t expect to ditch your AT&T or Verizon contract for one with the search giant. Instead, Google characterizes its still-to-launch wireless plans as a small-scale effort in which it will work with U.S. carriers to improve service.

Speaking at a Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona today Google confirmed that it would start offering services for mobile users later this year. Specifics on what exactly Google plans to provide are expected “in the next few months,” Read more. . .

Find Your Wifi Password in Windows 8.1

A friend wants a slice of your home Wi-Fi but you’ve completely forgotten what the password is, as you connected your laptop about two-and-a-half years ago.

If you’re running Windows 8.1, then looking up your password from your laptop or desktop only takes a few clicks of the mouse. Here’s how to do it.

You need to get into Control Panel, which is easily done from any File Explorer window (the breadcrumb drop-down path at the top) or the Charms bar (Settings then Control Panel). Read more. . .

4 Small Business Social Media Marketing Trends

1. Facebook Continues Encroaching on YouTube

Content marketers and small businesses that want to get on board the video juggernaut should spend time this year developing a solid strategy. Publish short videos, which are relatively easy and inexpensive to produce, in regular, episodic increments. Another great way to generate content is to involve customers in video contests, giving them the opportunity to promote your brand and win prizes.

2. No Funeral for Google Plus in 2015

The reports of the death of Google Plus have been greatly exaggerated over the years. Yes, it’s true that Authorship is dead. However, Author Rank is still very real. Google Plus is also the key to a strong showing in Google Local search results, yet many businesses have not yet claimed their listings. Read more. . .

Marriott to bring Netflix to your hotel room

The next time you’re on a trip, you may have something to watch on the hotel room TV besides the usual so-so channels and on-demand movies. Marriott has confirmed to Bloomberg that it’s trialing access to streaming services like Hulu, Netflix and Pandora on TVs in eight of its hotels. It’s not certain what the company will charge (if anything) if it launches this feature in earnest, although it’s reportedly mulling a few options that include a “premium” internet tier with TV streaming on top of the usual WiFi. That last choice might not be very popular when you can already curl up on the bed with your laptop at no extra cost. Having said this, Marriott hasn’t committed to anything yet — there’s a lot left to decide before you can watch House of Cards on a big screen during your vacation. Read more. . .

Winter Is Coming… Are You Ready?

Winter will be here before you know it, and along with it come added inconveniences to all businesses.

From polar vortexes to flu season, your employees may face many obstacles with making it into work every day. Instead of letting winter affect your productivity, Stratosphere Networks can set your business up with a remote work solution to keep your organization running smoothly this season.

Last year, Chicago was hit with the coldest four months ever on record. With temperatures reaching -16, both cars and trains were struggling to function and this year is not expected to be much better. Read more. . .

Apple-1 computer sold at auction for $365,000

A 1976 Apple-1 computer from Steve Jobs’ garage sold for $365,000 at a Christie’s auction Thursday. The machine, hand-built by Steve Wozniak, consists of an Apple-1 motherboard, a keyboard in a wooden case and a monitor. A cassette player (for operation demonstration purposes), an operation manual, specifications and original checks used to purchase the computer were also included. The BBC reports there are fewer than 50 of the machines remaining. This one is particularly interesting because it was sold by Jobs himself, from his garage in California. Christie’s had estimated the rarity would fetch as much as $600,000.That wouldn’t be too much of a stretch: the Henry Ford Museum bought its own Apple-1 for more than $900,000 in October. And the Ford, at least, will put that one on display for the rest of us to see. The latest Apple-1 went to an anonymous buyer, so there’s no telling where it’s headed. Read more. . .