September 2024
TECH TALK
“Insider Tips to Make Your Business Run Faster, Easier and More Profitable"
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
“To serve and support our
customers to the best of our
abilities. And to help develop their businesses
through the innovation of
technology”. This monthly
publication provided
courtesy of
Walter Contreras
Cybersecurity expert,
and CEO of Motiva
Networks.
WINDOWS 10: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN – IT'S TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR PC
Windows 10 has served us well. But its time is running out. Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means no more security
updates, no more patches, and no more support.
It’s time to upgrade to Windows
11. This is especially true for
business users with many systems
to check and upgrade. This change
isn’t just about getting new
features. It’s about ensuring your
PC stays secure, fast, and capable.
Why You Need to Upgrade
Now
Security Concerns
No more updates mean no more
security patches. Upgrading to
Windows 11 ensures you receive
the latest security updates
Enhanced Performance
Windows 11 is designed to be
faster and more efficient. It
optimizes your hardware,
providing better performance.
Improved Features
The redesigned Start Menu and
Taskbar offer a fresh, modern
look. Snap Layouts and Snap
Groups help you organize your
workspace. Virtual Desktops allow
you to create different desktops
for different tasks. These enhance
productivity and make your PC
experience more enjoyable.
Hardware Requirements for
Windows 11
Not all current PCs can run
Windows 11. Here are the basic
hardware requirements:
- A compatible 64-bit processor
with at least 1 GHz clock speed
and 2 or more cores. - 4 GB of RAM or more.
- 64 GB of storage or more.
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
capability. - TPM version 2.0.
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics
with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
If your PC doesn’t meet these
requirements, consider upgrading.
Upgrading Your Computer
Opportunity to Modernize:
Newer PCs come with better
processors, more RAM, and faster
storage.
AI-Enabled PCs:
Consider PCs
that offer advanced features
powered by AI.
Energy Efficiency:
Modern PCs
use less power without
compromising performance.
Benefits of Upgrading to
Windows 11
Better User Interface:
Windows 11 offers a cleaner UI
with a centered Start Menu and
simplified Taskbar.
Improved Multitasking:
You can easily organize open windows,
switch between tasks and create
separate desktops.
Integrated Microsoft Teams:
Quickly start a chat or video call
directly from the Taskbar.
What Are the Risks of
Waiting to Upgrade
Increased Vulnerability:
Waiting to upgrade increases your
vulnerability. As the end-ofsupport date approaches, the risk of security threats grows.
Upgrading now minimizes this
risk.
Potential Compatibility
Issues: New applications and
updates may not be compatible.
By upgrading now, you ensure
compatibility with the latest
software
Business Disruption: Starting
an upgrade for your office now
gives time for a smooth rollout.
How to Upgrade
- Check Compatibility: Check if
your PC meets the requirements
using the PC Health Check tool. - Backup Your Data: Avoid
losing important files during the
upgrade process. - Follow Upgrade Instructions:
This may involve downloading the
installation file and running the
setup. - Seek Professional Help: If
you’re unsure about upgrading,
seek the help of tech experts.
The countdown to the end of
Windows 10 has begun. Ensure
your PC stays protected and up to
date. Don’t wait until the last
minute!
Doxie Go SE Scanner
The Doxie Go SE Scanner enables you to scan anywhere
and go paperless.
It is everything you want modern scanning to be — clever, simple, and mobile.
Thanks to a small footprint, rechargeable battery, and expansive memory, Doxie fits your life — take Doxie with you and scan anywhere, no computer required. It has available apps for Mac, Windows, iOS, and web viewer for Linux and Chrome OS.
STREAMLINING SUCCESS: A GUIDE TO TASK AUTOMATION FOR SMALL ENTERPRISES
Running a small business is a
whirlwind. You juggle a million
tasks and wear countless hats.
You also constantly fight the
clock. What if you could reclaim
some of that precious time?
Enter task automation. It’s your
secret weapon for streamlining
your workflow and boosting
productivity. By automating
routine and repetitive tasks, small
businesses can gain many benefits
such as freeing up valuable time
and resources. Every minute
saved can translate to increased
productivity and profitability.
What is Task Automation?
Task automation involves using
technology to automate repetitive,
manual tasks. Imagine software
handling data entry, scheduling
appointments, or sending out
invoices. All this without your
constant oversight. This frees you
up to focus on strategic initiatives
that drive growth.
88% of small business owners say
that automation helps them
compete with larger companies.
What Tasks Can You Automate?
You can automate many tasks across different departments in a small business. Here are some examples:
- Marketing: Schedule social
media posts and send
automated email campaigns.
You can also generate
personalized marketing
materials. - Sales: Generate quotes and
send automated follow-up
emails. Track sales
performance through
automated reports. - Customer Service: Set up
chatbots to answer frequently
asked questions. Automate
- email responses for order confirmations. Have automation manage appointment scheduling.
- Human Resources:
Automate payroll processing
and manage employee
onboarding tasks. Send out
automated reminders for
performance reviews. - Finance: Automate data entry
for invoices and receipts.
Schedule recurring payments
and generate automated
financial reports.
Getting Started with Task Automation:
Identify Repetitive Tasks. Analyze your daily workflows and pinpoint repetitive tasks. Ask employees what manual tasks take them the most time.
Choose the Right Tools.
There’s a vast array of automation tools available. You’ll find
everything from simple scheduling apps to complex management platforms. Research and choose tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing software.
Start Small. Don’t try to automate everything at once. Begin by automating a few key tasks and gradually expand as you get comfortable.
Invest in Training. Provide your team with proper training. You want them to feel comfortable integrating them into their workflow.
The Future of Automation for Small Businesses
Automation technology will continue to evolve. Small businesses will have access to even more powerful tools to boost productivity. Automating now gets you ahead of the competition.
UNMASKING THE TRUE PRICE OF IT DOWNTIME
Imagine this: you walk into your office on a busy Monday morning, ready to tackle the week. But something’s wrong. Computers are unresponsive. Phones are silent. The internet is a ghost town. Your business has come to a grinding halt – victim of an IT outage.
It’s a scenario every business owner fears. But beyond the initial frustration are expenses you may not immediately see. IT downtime carries hidden costs that can significantly impact your bottom line. Let’s peel back the layers and expose the true price of IT outages.
The Immediate Impact: Lost Productivity
When IT systems go down, your employees are effectively sidelined. Sales can’t be processed. Emails pile up unanswered.
Customer Impact: Frustration and Lost Trust
An IT outage isn’t just an internal inconvenience. It directly impacts your customers. Frustrated customers can’t place orders or access their accounts.
Reputational Damage: A Hit to Your Brand Image
IT outages can tarnish your brand image. Customers expect businesses to be reliable and accessible.
Hidden Costs: Beyond the Obvious
The financial impact of IT downtime extends beyond lost productivity and sales. It includes:
- Employee Demoralization
- Emergency Repairs
- Data Loss or Corruption
- Compliance Issues
Investing in Uptime: Building Business Resilience
IT downtime is a threat every business faces. By understanding the true cost and taking proactive measures, you can reduce the risk. Remember, downtime has the potential to damage your reputation and customer relationships.
So, focus on IT security and invest in preventative measures. Every minute counts when it comes to technology.
8 TIPS FOR SAFEGUARDING YOUR GADGETS WHILE TRAVELING
Traveling with technology has become a necessity. Whether for work, communication, or entertainment, we rely heavily on our devices. But traveling exposes these gadgets to various risks. Theft, damage, and loss are common concerns.
We’ve put together some helpful tips to mitigate the risk of any tech mishaps on your next trip. Follow these eight best practices to ensure your device remain safe when
traveling.
- Use Protective Cases
- Leverage Tracking Apps
- Keep Devices Close
- Use Strong Passwords
- Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
- Back Up Your Data
- Be Mindful of Your
Surroundings - Use Anti-Theft Accessories
TOP 6 SMART OFFICE TRENDS FOR AN IMPROVED WORKFLOW
Gone are the days of sterile cubicles and monotonous routines. Today’s smart offices are hubs of innovation. They’re designed to empower employees, optimize workflows, and foster collaboration.
This shift is driven by technology, including smart features that seamlessly integrate into the physical workspace. But with so many options available, where do you begin?
Here are the top six smart office trends you should consider adopting. They can power productivity and boost employee satisfaction.
- Internet of Things (IoT) Devices
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Machine Learning - Collaborative Technologies
- Remote Work Solutions
- Smart Furniture
- Data Analytics
WHAT THINGS SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A USED LAPTOP?
Buying a used laptop can be a great way to save money. But it comes with risks. You need to be careful and thorough in your evaluation. Otherwise, you could end up wasting your money.
These tips will help you know what to look for when buying a used laptop (or desktop PC), so you don’t end up with a lemon.
- Determine Your Needs. Identify your purpose and set a budget.
- Check the Laptop’s Condition. Inspect the physical condition.
- Check the Battery Life. Use software to check the battery’s health.
- Assess the Internal Components. Consider the processor, RAM, and storage
- Verify the Software and Operating System. Verify that the OS is genuine and licensed.
- Research the Seller. Look for reviews and ratings.
- Test the Laptop. Perform a thorough test and use diagnostic tools.
- Compare Prices. Research the market and factor in extra costs.
Do your homework to get the most out of your money.
UTILIZE OUR FREE ASSESSMENT TO KNOW FOR SURE IF YOUR IT SETUP WOULD REMAIN ONLINE