Albert Gyomber’s Post

If you rely heavily on Windows for your daily tasks, you'll be thrilled to hear about the latest preview update. Microsoft has been hard at work addressing some issues, and let me tell you, they've hit the nail on the head with this one! Here’s one that’s going to be music to many people’s ears - the Windows Search function in Windows 10. It’s such a basic need and frankly it hasn’t been good enough recently. We've all experienced typing in the search bar only to get inaccurate suggestions or, even worse, a crash. But Microsoft has been listening, and they’ve fixed a load of bugs. They’ve also made the search experience faster, more reliable, and tailored just for you. Of course, if you’ve upgraded to Windows 11 already, you won’t have struggled with these search problems… just another one of the many benefits to the updated OS. If it’s time for your business to make the upgrade, my team and I can help. Get in touch. #Microsoft #Windows10 #WindowsSearch

Ever found yourself wishing you could slap a password on a folder in Windows 11 to keep your documents, photos, or other sensitive files extra safe? Well, you're not alone. But, the thing is, Windows 11 doesn't offer a built-in feature to directly password-protect folders. That’s not bad news though. Your Windows account already comes equipped with password protection. So, when you log in, you're essentially locking down access to your profile and all the files within it. Microsoft makes the assumption that you, and you alone, are the only person accessing your Windows account. If you're using the BitLocker security feature, your data gets an added layer of encryption, making it even tougher for unauthorized people to sneak a peek at your files. But what if you share your PC with others, or you simply want that extra level of security? Enter the virtual hard disk and BitLocker combo. With these tools, you can create a virtual drive - a kind of digital vault, if you will - and lock it down with BitLocker. Basically, it’s a secure folder within your computer, accessible only to those with the password. Setting it up is pretty straightforward. Just fire up the Disk Management tool, create a new virtual hard disk, enable BitLocker on it, and boom! You've got yourself a password-protected virtual drive. Now, you can store all your sensitive files in there, knowing they're tucked away safely from prying eyes. There's always a workaround to beef up your file security. Of course there are better ways to increase security and protect files within a business - can my team and I help you with that? #Windows11 #FileSecurity #FolderPassword

Heads up! There's another cyber threat on the loose, and this one’s targeting Microsoft Word and Excel files. Let me explain: Hackers are using a technique called steganography to hide malware inside innocent-looking JPG files. They then send out phishing emails loaded with these files, hoping someone takes the bait (phishing emails look like they’re from someone you trust but they’re not). If you accidentally open one of these booby-trapped files, it's not good. A nasty script is unleashed, leading to the download and installation of all sorts of malware. Think info stealers, remote access trojans, and more. But I know you can stay protected from this one. It’s totally doable with a little common sense and some cyber security awareness. First off, stay sharp with incoming emails, especially ones with attachments or suspicious links. When in doubt, just hit delete. Plus, don't forget to keep your Office suite up-to-date. There's a fix for this vulnerability that's been hanging around for years. Double-check you’re all updated and safe (my team can help you with that). So there you have it - stay vigilant, keep those software updates rolling, and keep your business’s data safe. #Microsoft #Word #CyberSecurity

If you, like me, believe tech companies should have solid planet-saving goals, you’ll be interested in this one. Apple recently dropped its annual environmental report, and it's good. The mission is to go completely carbon neutral by 2030 - and there’s no messing around. Lisa Jackson, Apple's eco guru, said they're pulling out all the stops to hit that target. From increasing wind and solar power to revamping recycling tech, Apple's leaving no stone unturned. Even their product designs are getting a green makeover. And they're not going it alone. Apple's rallying the troops, working with more than 320 suppliers to cut emissions and go renewable. Plus, they're updating their products with recycled materials - like the new MacBook Air, made with over 50% recycled materials. And get this… Apple's not just talking the talk on climate justice. They're aiming for 100% recycled rare earth materials and are even using recycled cobalt in iPhone batteries. It’s safe to say, they're pumping serious cash into carbon offset projects, aiming to make a real difference. And they're not afraid to admit when things need a tune-up, like calling out the shortcomings of carbon credits. Honesty is the best policy, right? Do you think more tech companies need to be open about their environmental goals… and shortcomings? #Apple #EnvironmentalGoals #CarbonNeutral

Today marks the anniversary of a real milestone in Microsoft’s history. I’m throwing it back to May 2, 1983, when it launched the Microsoft Mouse. Sure, it looks like a clunky block of plastic now. But back in 1983 the mouse was made for IBM and IBM-compatible PCs, it had green buttons, and demonstrated a whole lot of innovation. This mouse wasn't just a clicker—it was a trendsetter. With its sleek (for the time) design and cool looking buttons, it was like the Beyoncé of computer peripherals (actually, seeing as it was 1983… make that the Donna Summer of computer peripherals). Fun fact: People called it the "Green-Eyed Mouse" because of those standout green buttons. And that was kind of fitting, considering Bill Gates was eyeing what Apple was doing with a touch of jealousy. Fast forward to today, and Microsoft's mouse legacy lives on. They've churned out some serious tech gems over the years, but even the best stories have plot twists. Just last year, they hit the pause button on making Microsoft-branded gear, shifting focus to their Surface line. Times change, right? Do you wish we could go back to simpler times, or are you clinging tight to your ergonomic mouse? #Microsoft #MicrosoftMouse #TechThrowback

Passwords are the bane of so many people’s lives. We all have so many of them to juggle. Maybe you should think about using biometrics instead? That’s using your fingerprint as a password, or even your face, just like you might do already to unlock your phone. It’s a really simple-yet-secure way to keep your data safe… yet only around a fifth of people bother with it. I understand, some people are wary. Why? They’re worried about their sensitive info falling into the wrong hands. But here's the thing: Biometrics are really hard to crack - unlike weak passwords, or passwords you reuse across multiple sites. There’s also passkeys as an alternative to passwords. These use your phone or another device as a key to prove you are who you say you are. They're very well designed to be safe, as your phone must be close to the device you’re logging in to. Better yet, biometrics and passkeys make a power duo. Use them together and it's like having a double lock on your front door. Are you still using passwords in your business, or have you embraced these super-secure alternatives? #Biometrics #Passkeys #DataSecurity

If you have an iPhone and a Mac, launch the calculator on both right now. Can you see the difference? They have similar colors but the iPhone one looks better with its round buttons, compared to the square buttons on the Mac. Apple’s about to make them match, updating the look of the Mac calculator. Goodbye to the old-school buttons and hello to a fresh, rounded look inspired by iOS. There's more. You’ll be able to more easily track your past calculations with the revised history tape feature. You’ll finally be able to resize the calculator window. And - hooray! - there’s now unit conversion help. Apple's created a more intuitive system that works seamlessly with your calculations. Need to convert currency or units? No problem! It's all built right into the main interface, making things easy. These updates are due in macOS 15. I love anything that makes life easier, so this sounds like a win. #Apple #calculator #Microsoft

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but an old digital troublemaker has been resurrected. This one’s a worm called Raspberry Robin, and it's annoying. It replicates itself to spread to other devices, creating all sorts of risks to data security including malware and ransomware. A few years ago, cyber criminals spread it through USB drives mailed out to businesses (yes really). Now they're using a little known utility called Windows Script Files to sneak it onto computers. These files look harmless and some security tools struggle to spot the danger. But I bring some good news too: There are ways to defend yourself. First off, be extra cautious what you click on or download, especially if it's from an unfamiliar source. Stick to trusted websites and steer clear of suspicious-looking emails. Your PC may have a hero in disguise called Windows Defender to help keep you safe. If you want to really increase your defenses, consider getting additional software to layer your protection and give you extra peace of mind. If you’re not sure where to start or you’d like a hand making sure you’ve got the right protection in place, I can help. Get in touch. #Windows #CyberSecurity #Antivirus

Want more say over how your lock screen looks? Good news: Microsoft is rolling out some exciting updates that put you in control. With the latest updates to Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft has introduced lock screen widgets powered by MSN. Cool, right? But until now, you couldn't customize them. Good old Microsoft has heard our feedback loud and clear, and they're on a mission to give us the power to personalize our lock screen. Soon, we’ll be able to choose exactly what appears, from weather updates to sports scores and more. And if you aren’t a fan of MSN content popping up on your lock screen, don't worry – you'll have the option to disable it completely. Phew! The customization doesn't stop at the lock screen either. In Windows 11, the Widgets app is getting a makeover too, with a revamped layout and new features like notification badges. It's all about making your Windows experience truly your own. What will you add to your lock screen first? #LockScreen #Microsoft #Windows

OpenAI has just rolled out a major upgrade for ChatGPT, and let me tell you, it's a good one. GPT-4 Turbo is the latest and greatest addition to the ChatGPT family. With this upgrade, ChatGPT is now better at writing, math, logical reasoning, and even coding. Plus, it's now armed with the freshest training data, which gives it the edge in tackling topical questions and answers. Thanks to this update, ChatGPT is now "more direct" and "less verbose", using language that's conversational and less… AI. It's like chatting with a human, but with all the AI smarts thrown in. In one example, ChatGPT crafted a concise RSVP text for a dinner invite, cutting out the fluff and getting straight to the point. Now that's efficiency lots of us could do with! These improvements aren't just for people who pay, which is great. If you haven’t tried ChatGPT before, or if you have but didn’t think much of it, maybe now’s the time to see if it could be a help to your business? #ChatGPT #GPT4Upgrade #AIAdvancements