​If you’re like most people, you probably find system updates a hassle. They take ages and those big downloads eat up precious bandwidth and storage. 
 
Good news then: Microsoft is about to make your life a whole lot easier with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. 
 
It’s introducing something called ‘checkpoint cumulative updates.’ That might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry – it’s simple and very beneficial.
 
Normally, Windows gets its updates every month. These are known as cumulative updates, which bundle all the latest fixes and enhancements together. These bundles can be large and take a while to download and install.
 
The new checkpoint cumulative updates change this process. Instead of downloading a big update every time, your system will now receive smaller updates more frequently. These are tweaks to the last major update or checkpoint. 
 
So, what does this mean for your business? It’s great news… you’ll spend less time waiting for updates to finish so you can get back to work.
 
And, if you have a limited internet connection, smaller updates are a blessing. They use less bandwidth, so less chance of interrupting someone else’s video call.
 
The best part? All of this happens automatically through Windows Update. You don’t need to do anything differently. Your system will keep running smoothly, with most updates happening in the background. This seamless experience ensures that your work is not interrupted.
 
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has streamlined updates. When Windows 11 was first launched, Microsoft used new compression technology to reduce the size of updates by 40%. With the 24H2 update, they’re taking it a step further to ensure that your experience is even more efficient.
 
It’s also worth noting that while this new update system will be standard for Windows 11 and the upcoming Windows Server 2025, it’s less likely to be implemented for Windows 10, as that version is nearing its end of life. This means there’s even more incentive to upgrade your business to Windows 11 if you haven’t already.
 
Want to migrate to Windows 11 with zero hassle? We’re the people to talk to.

​There's an exciting new feature coming to Microsoft's Edge browser that’s going to make your life - and your employees' lives - a whole lot easier. 'Draft with Copilot' is an AI-powered tool that can instantly write text on any topic you need. 
 
When you're in Edge and you find yourself staring at an empty text field (like the body of an email or a comment box), just right-click. You'll see an option to 'Draft with Copilot.' 
 
Click on it, and a window will pop up. You just enter the subject or topic you need text for, hit 'Generate,' and watch Copilot do its thing. In a few moments, you'll have a piece of text on the topic you specified. 
 
You can then change the tone and length of the generated text to suit your style. Want it to be more formal or casual? Need it longer or shorter? No problem. 
 
We all know time is money, ’Draft with Copilot' can help save you both. Imagine how much time your team spend on writing everyday text. With Copilot, drafting a quick email or coming up with a social media update becomes easier. 
 
And Copilot not only helps you write faster but also makes sure the text is grammatically correct and well-structured. This is especially helpful if you're writing in a language that's not your native one.
 
Right now, this feature is only available in US English, but Microsoft is working on expanding it to more languages. 
 
One warning: It's important to review what it produces. Critics of AI-generated text sometimes say it can feel a bit generic. You might want to add a personal touch or specific details to make it more engaging for your audience.
 
This feature is currently in the Edge Canary preview build, which means it's still being fine-tuned. 
 
Microsoft is steadily integrating Copilot into more Windows apps, making these AI tools more accessible and versatile across different platforms. It's clear that the future holds even more convenient AI-assisted features that will make our digital lives easier.
 
Not tried Copilot in your business yet? We can help you get started. Get in touch.

​Microsoft has issued an important update: If you’re using Windows 11, you need to upgrade to version 23H2 before October 8th, 2024. After this, older versions will no longer receive essential security updates, putting your systems at risk.
 
Why is this important?
 
Because Microsoft will stop supporting older Windows 11 versions for business accounts. This includes stopping security updates, which are vital for protecting your systems against the latest cyber threats. 
 
The latest version includes advanced security features to protect against new threats, making sure your business data remains safe. But updating to Windows 11 version 23H2 brings other benefits beyond security.  
 
You’ll also notice performance improvements, making your systems run faster and more efficiently, which is great for productivity. Plus, new tools and features are continually added, helping streamline your workflows and improve overall efficiency. Staying updated ensures compatibility with new software and technologies, maintaining smooth business operations.
 
Delaying the update could leave your business vulnerable to cyber attacks. Without security updates, your systems will be exposed to potential exploits, risking data breaches and financial loss. 
 
Microsoft typically enforces updates post-deadline to keep people safe, especially for business devices not managed by IT departments. While this is helpful, it’s better to update proactively on your own schedule.
 
Updating to version 23H2 is straightforward. 
 

• First, check your current version by going to Settings, then System, and selecting About. 

 

• Before updating, make sure to back up all your important files to prevent data loss. 

 

• Navigate to Settings, then Update & Security, and select Windows Update. 

 

• Click on "Check for updates" and follow the prompts to install version 23H2. 

 

• Once the update is complete, restart your computer and verify the new version in Settings, System, and About again.

 
Making sure your systems are up to date will keep your business secure and running efficiently. Don’t wait until the last minute… upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2 now. 
 
Keeping businesses protected and productive is our top priority. So, if you need any help with that, get in touch.  

​Picture this: You're on an important video call with a client, confidently presenting your latest project updates.
 
Suddenly, a notification pops up on your screen from your significant other, reminding you (not so discreetly) about the damage your child did during their temper tantrum this morning. Or worse, a message from your gym reminding you of your long absence.
 
Embarrassing, right?
 
We all know the struggle of trying to maintain professionalism during video calls while secretly battling the fear of embarrassing pop-ups stealing the show. But Microsoft is on it. They're reportedly working on a much-needed feature that could save us all from these cringeworthy moments.
 
Imagine being able to hide specific apps entirely while you're on a Teams call. No more worrying about intrusive notifications stealing your thunder. This means you can say goodbye to awkward interruptions from messaging apps, or reminders that you'd rather keep private.
 
How does it work? According to reports, Microsoft's new feature won't just minimize apps to the taskbar like the current workaround. Instead, it'll completely hide them from sight, sparing you from any unexpected surprises (and blushes).
 
And the best part? It's not just about saving face. This feature could also help boost your device's performance. By keeping those apps in the background, you free up valuable computing power and resources.
 
If you've ever found yourself frantically closing apps and browser windows to ensure a smooth video stream, this could be the end of that struggle. With the new feature, you can focus on what truly matters during your calls without worrying about technical hiccups or embarrassing distractions.
 
While we're excited about the potential of this new feature, we'll have to wait and see if it becomes a reality. We'll be keeping a close eye on the official Microsoft 365 roadmap for any updates and will keep you informed.
 
In the meantime, if we can help make your business’s video calls run more smoothly, get in touch.

A new security report has revealed some alarming trends.

First off, cyber attacks are becoming faster than ever. Breakout times (that’s the time it takes for a criminal to move within your network after first getting in) have dropped significantly. We're talking an average of just 62 minutes compared to 84 minutes last year.


This is not good news.


Not only are these attacks faster, but they're also becoming more common. The report has identified a whopping 34 new cyber criminal groups, bringing the total to over 230 groups tracked by the company.

And guess what? These cyber criminals aren't sitting around twiddling their thumbs. They're getting smarter and more sophisticated. The report highlights a new record breakout time of just two minutes and seven seconds. That's barely enough time to grab a coffee, let alone mount a defense.

But here's the real kicker: The human factor is increasingly becoming the main entry point for these cyber attacks.

They will try to get your people to click a link in a phishing email, which will take them to a fake login page. Once your employee enters their real login details, they have inadvertently handed them over.

Or they pretend to be someone your team trusts. This is called social engineering.


So, what can you do to protect your business from these cyber threats?


· Educate your employees
Make sure your team is aware of the latest cyber threats and how to spot them. Regular training sessions can go a long way in preventing costly mistakes.


· Implement strong password policies
Encourage the use of complex random passwords generated and remembered by password managers. Use multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security (this is where you use a second device to confirm it’s really you logging in).


· Keep your systems updated
Make sure all software and systems are up to date with the latest security patches. Cyber criminals often exploit known vulnerabilities, so staying current is key.


· Invest in cyber security software
Consider investing in reputable cyber security software that can help detect and mitigate threats in real-time (we can help with this).


· Backup your data
Regularly backup your data and store it in a secure location. In the event of a cyber attack, having backups can help minimize downtime and data loss.


When it comes to cyber security, it's better to be safe than sorry. If we can help you to stay better prepared, get in touch.

Microsoft is soon going to release its latest update for Windows 11, known as "Moment 5" or the "February 24 Moment." This update is expected to start rolling out in the next few weeks and it comes with some noteworthy changes that you'll want to keep an eye on.
 
But first, let's address one thing: After this update, Microsoft is going back to its roots with annual updates for Windows 11. 
 
What does that mean for you? Well, it means you can expect more stability and fewer major overhauls to your operating system. It's time to bid farewell to those frequent "moment" updates and embrace a more predictable schedule.
 
Now, let's dive into what Moment 5 has in store for us…
 
One of the standout features of this update is the enhancement of Windows 11's built-in accessibility features. Microsoft is improving the user experience for those who rely on these. 
 
Voice Access now supports multiple monitors and additional languages. It introduces "voice shortcuts" for custom voice-activated commands. Narrator gains the ability to preview new natural voices and works alongside voice access for various tasks.
 
One notable change is the ability to write directly into text boxes using a stylus across the operating system. This feature streamlines the use of digital pens, eliminating the need for a dedicated handwriting panel.
 
For the first time ever, Microsoft is making some in-box apps uninstallable. Apps like Edge, Camera, and Photos can be removed if you don't intend to use them. 
 
Microsoft is also making the Windows Search pane more flexible. This update allows third-party search providers like Google or Yahoo to create plugins for the Windows Search pane. So, if you prefer another search engine over Bing (and let’s face it, many of us do), you'll have the option to switch.
 
The Nearby Share feature (it’s like Apple's AirDrop) gets a boost with "friendly name" support. You can give your PC a more readable name, making file sharing more user-friendly. Additionally, Windows Spotlight, which displays Bing's background of the day, will become the default wallpaper setting.
 
Copilot is getting better. It can now be "undocked," making it more versatile and accessible. You'll also find the Copilot interface in the Windows ALT+TAB menu for quick and easy access.
 
And Microsoft is making changes to the Widgets Board. You’ll be able to disable Microsoft News integration, allowing for a widget-only layout if you prefer not to have news headlines in your Widgets Board. Plus, third-party news services can build plugins to integrate with the Widgets Board, providing more options for users.
 
Notepad will include a character count feature and an "Edit with Notepad" shortcut in context menus for select file types. 
 
In a nutshell, Moment 5 brings a host of improvements and enhancements to Windows 11, making it more accessible, user-friendly, and versatile. 
 
For business owners, these updates can improve productivity and streamline workflows for you and your team. If you haven’t already made the move to Windows 11, now’s the time! We can help you with that – get in touch.

​Google has unleashed a powerful new tool to make your Gmail inbox a safer and spam-free haven, and it's called RETVec.
 
But what exactly is RETVec? 
 
Well, let's break it down in simple terms. RETVec stands for Resilient and Efficient Text Vectorizer. Fancy. In plain English, it's a tool that makes Gmail even better at spotting annoying spam emails that try to sneak into your inbox.
 
Did you know that the people behind spam emails can be very smart to try to avoid detection? Some use invisible characters, something called LEET substitution (like "3xpl4in3d" instead of "explained"), and intentional typos to get past our defenses. But RETVec is trained to be resilient against all these tricks.
 
Google explains it as mapping words or phrases to real numbers and then using these numbers for further analysis, predictions, and figuring out word similarities. In short, it's like giving Gmail a supercharged spam radar. 
 
How does this benefit you? Gmail's spam detection rate shot up by an impressive 38% with RETVec on the scene. Plus, Gmail's false positive rate dropped by nearly a fifth (that's 19.4% fewer false alarms). 
 
I know that some of you might be wondering if there’s a catch. Well, there's a tiny caveat you should be aware of, especially if your business sends promotional emails. 
 
With RETVec's increased vigilance, some legitimate emails might get caught in the crossfire. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your email analytics to ensure your messages reach their intended recipients.
 
RETVec isn't just about better security. It's more efficient too. Google reports that the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) usage of the model dropped by a whopping 83%. Smaller models mean reduced computational costs and faster delivery, which is a game-changer for large-scale applications and on-device models. So, it's a win-win situation.
 
Spam is a go-to weapon for cyber criminals and now RETVec can help keep us better protected. It blocks malicious emails, keeping our data safe and our inboxes clutter-free.
 
If you don’t use Gmail, don’t feel too left out. It’s likely we’ll see other email providers including Microsoft bringing similar protection in the future. 
 
In the meantime, if you’d like us to review your business’s email security, get in touch.

​If you use Google Chrome, you’ll love this. Google has just rolled out a game-changing update that's going to make your browser more powerful than ever. 
 
It’s the revamped Chrome Web Store, featuring a fresh design and exciting new features.
 
Now, if you're like me, you've probably spent more time than you'd care to admit sifting through the Chrome Web Store in search of the perfect extensions for your browser. Those days of endless scrolling and hunting for that elusive add-on are officially over. 
 
First off, they've introduced new categories to help you quickly find what you need. Whether you're shopping, looking for productivity tools, or are just in the mood for some entertainment, there's a category for you. And the cherry on top? There's now a dedicated section for AI-powered extensions. 
 
These AI-powered extensions are not to be underestimated. Many of them integrate popular chatbots and even some of the best ChatGPT extensions available. Imagine having your own virtual assistant right in your browser, ready to answer questions, provide recommendations, and assist with various tasks.
 
And it doesn't stop there. Google has also included a 'suggested extensions' section that tailors recommendations based on what you've previously downloaded. 
 
There’s an 'Editors’ spotlight' section which promises to showcase up-and-coming extensions you might have otherwise missed.
 
Navigating the Chrome Web Store has become even more intuitive. The search bar has moved to the top-right corner of the screen, and Google has enhanced its capabilities. You can filter by all items or focus on featured extensions and themes, making it a breeze to find exactly what you want.
 
In the top-left corner, you'll find the Extensions tab to dive deeper into add-ons for your browser. Fancy changing the look of Chrome? Simply navigate to the Themes tab. Customization has never been this easy.
 
While this new Chrome Web Store update is undoubtedly exciting, let's not forget about the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to browser security. Here are a few reminders:
 
1. Monitor downloads to make sure they’re safe and relevant
 
2. Never download extensions from third-party websites
 
3. Make sure everyone in your business is aware of and follows the correct security measures. 
 
4. Regularly update Chrome and your extensions and educate your team about the importance of strong passwords and safe browsing practices.
 
If you’d like help finding even more productivity-boosting tools for your business, get in touch. 
 

Did you ever imagine a world where the lengthy, complicated passwords people often forget would become a thing of the past? 
 
It seems that day might be arriving sooner than we anticipated. 
 
Google has officially made Passkeys the default sign-in method for all personal accounts on its network, signaling the beginning of a new era in online security.
 
What's a Passkey, you ask? 
 
It's the next big thing in internet safety. And as a business owner with staff, you should pay attention to this game-changing innovation.
 
Here’s everything you need to know.
 
 
What are Passkeys?
Imagine logging into your account using just a four-digit PIN or your biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. That's precisely what a Passkey is. 
 
Simple, isn't it? 
 
But don't let the simplicity fool you. This new technology significantly reduces the likelihood of having your credentials stolen or your account taken over by cyber criminals.
 
 
How do Passkeys work?
Creating a Passkey is easy. Head over to Google's official Passkeys website, create a PIN or connect your biometrics (fingerprint or face), link your smartphone, and you're done. 
 
Just remember, your PC needs to run at least Windows 10, or your Mac should have macOS Ventura or above. And on your phone, you need Android 9 or iOS 16. 
 
As of now, this tech works only on Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Google Chrome browsers.
 
 
What are the benefits of Passkeys?
According to Google, 64% of people find Passkeys easier to use than traditional login methods. 
 
Not only are they simpler and more secure, they're also faster. Logging in with a Passkey is 40% quicker than using a regular password. 
​
 
What's next?
Google's decision to make Passkeys the default sign-in method is just the beginning. The tech giant is already working with select partners to make this new login usable across Chrome and Android. It's already available on Uber and eBay, with plans to expand to WhatsApp soon.
 
So, it might be wise to start thinking about how Passkeys can benefit your business. After all, Google could soon roll out this feature for business accounts too.
 
Meantime, if you're not quite ready to embrace Passkeys, you can still opt-out. Just head to the Sign-in options page, find "Skip Password When Possible", and toggle off the switch.
 
We’d recommend you give it a try and see how much easier – and more secure – it can make things. And of course, if you need any help, get in touch.

Microsoft is rolling out a brand-new version of Teams, its video conference, collaboration, and chat platform. We’re being promised a faster and easier way to work. And we all could use a bit of that, couldn't we?
 
The new Teams is like the superhero of apps for Windows and Mac. It's faster than a speeding bullet… well, at least twice as fast as the classic version. Plus, it's on a diet, using up to 50% less memory and disk space. 
 
Microsoft went back to the drawing board to reimagine it, make it simpler and more flexible. Now Teams:
 

• Plays better with third-party apps
• Is happier calling phones outside of Teams
• Gets you into meetings quicker than you can say “not another meeting”

 
 
This pumped-up version of Teams uses some tech which allows it to share resources with your browser. That reduces how much memory and disk space it needs. 
 
And the initial test results? Teams is twice as quick when loading the app, joining meetings, and switching chats and channels. 
 
This isn’t just for businesses using Windows. Teams on Mac is also getting this performance boost.
 
Microsoft promises this update will be a game-changer for your productivity. They've improved the user interface, adding in a "mark all as read" feature in activity. 
 
Plus, they're introducing Copilot, an AI assistant that can summarize key points from your chats and calls. Sort of like having your very own personal assistant, just without the coffee runs.
 
Are you ready to switch to the new and improved Teams? It's rolling out now. Look at the top left corner of your Teams app… if you see “try the new Teams”, then you can flick the switch and try it out.
 
If you need help with Teams for your business, get in touch.