​Wouldn’t it be great if your Windows 11 computer could handle tasks just like a real-life assistant?
 
That’s exactly what Microsoft wants to achieve with Windows Agent Arena, its new AI project.
 
The goal is to create smart virtual assistants, known as AI agents. They will be able to complete tasks on your computer. They could save time by doing repetitive tasks for you, such as managing apps or organizing files.
 
So, what exactly is an AI agent? And how could it help your business? 
 
An AI agent is a type of artificial intelligence designed to interact with your computer. Instead of only giving you information, AI agents can perform actions for you.
 
For example, you could train an AI agent to run your morning routine. It would open your calendar, launch your email app, and check the news. When you begin your day, the agent would know what info to share with you, like a virtual assistant.
 
Imagine having AI agents that update your software, or even edit documents for you. They could enable privacy options in Microsoft Edge, install extensions or update settings. This saves you time and hassle, so you can focus on bigger things.
 
The project is open source. That means developers around the world can contribute to help these tools evolve. Although they’re still in development, the potential for businesses is exciting.
 
For now, one of the best ways to see how helpful AI can be for your business is to give Copilot a try. Need help getting started? Get in touch.

​Imagine having an assistant by your side that never gets tired, never misses a detail, and can help with everything from drafting emails to organizing meetings. 
 
Sounds great, right? 
 
Well, that’s what Microsoft Copilot is. It’s a smart, AI-driven tool built into the Microsoft apps you already use, like Word, Excel, and Teams. It’s designed to handle time-consuming tasks that slow your team down. 
 
But how exactly does it work, and why should you care? 
 
In simple terms, Copilot is AI embedded into the Microsoft Office suite. It’s always there to assist you, whether you're typing up a report, analyzing data in Excel, or even planning your next big meeting. And the best part is, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it. If you can use Word, you can use Copilot.
 
So, how can it make a difference in your business?
 
First off, one of the most exciting things about Copilot is that it’s seamlessly integrated into the software you already know. There’s no need for complicated installations or training sessions. And because it’s built into Microsoft 365, your team can jump right in with minimal disruption. It works across devices too, so whether you're in the office or travelling, Copilot is always there.
 
One area where Copilot really shines is how it simplifies your daily grind. Think about how much time gets wasted on things like sorting through emails or organizing meetings. We’ve all been there, spending way too long combing through endless email chains or trying to figure out who said what in a meeting. 
 
Copilot tackles this for you. It can summarize long email threads and even suggest responses, so you can get back to what really matters. It’s like having someone do all the heavy lifting while you focus on the more important tasks.
 
Speaking of meetings, Copilot is a big help when it comes to collaboration. Let’s say you’re wrapping up a Teams call. Instead of manually taking notes or worrying about missing key action items, Copilot will summarize the entire meeting for you, highlighting decisions and tasks. It listens in, captures the key points, and even helps you plan the next steps.
 
But Copilot isn’t just about cutting down on admin work, it’s also a creativity booster. You know that moment where you stare at a blank document, unsure how to start? Whether it’s drafting a client proposal or putting together a presentation, sometimes the hardest part is getting the ball rolling.
 
That’s where Copilot comes in. Give it a few prompts, and it’ll generate a first draft or outline to get you started. You don’t have to be a creative genius to produce something great. Copilot takes care of that early-stage work, freeing you up to fine-tune and add your personal touch. 
 
All this leads to a more productive, efficient, and creative workplace. That’s what makes Microsoft Copilot such a powerful tool. It not only takes care of the little things but also helps you unlock your team’s full potential. 
 
Want to find out what Copilot could do for your business? We can help, get in touch.

​If you’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your computer, you know just how frustrating it can be. It’s that moment when your screen turns an ominous shade of blue, and you’re left wondering what went wrong and how much work you’ve just lost. 
 
For businesses, these crashes are more than just annoying – they can be disruptive and cost money.
 
Recent research highlights just how common BSODs have become, with one in 200 devices crashing under normal use. And it gets worse. During the recent CrowdStrike outage, that number shot up to one in ten devices. 
 
While the tech industry seems to be hit the hardest, with more than 15% of devices affected monthly, even sectors like healthcare and retail, which are less prone to these crashes, still get about 8-10% of devices displaying the dreaded blue screen.
 
So, what’s causing all these crashes? And more importantly, how can you reduce the risk of them happening in your business? 
 
The good news is that about half of these incidents are avoidable. 
 
The bad news is that many businesses simply don’t have the tools or strategies in place to prevent them.
 
One of the key takeaways from the study is that many BSODs are linked to a few common issues. Problematic hardware, poorly managed Windows updates, and misconfigured drivers for things like graphics cards, networks, and audio systems are among the top culprits. 
 
When these aren’t working properly, it can lead to system instability, which often manifests as a BSOD.
 
For business owners, this means taking a proactive approach to IT management is crucial. 
 
Instead of waiting for something to go wrong and then scrambling to fix it, businesses should focus on identifying potential problem areas before they lead to a crash. By monitoring the health of your devices and making sure that updates and drivers are properly managed, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of BSODs disrupting your operations.
 
The research suggests that with the right preventative measures, businesses could cut the number of BSOD incidents in half, reducing the occurrence to about one in 400 devices. This not only minimizes downtime but also frees up your IT team to focus on more strategic tasks rather than constantly putting out fires.
 
Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary tools to identify these risks early on. In fact, most companies don’t even know which of their devices are at risk right now, let alone which ones might crash in the future. 
 
To move from a reactive approach to a proactive one, invest in tools that can provide insights into your IT systems. These tools allow you to make data-driven decisions, which can reduce costs, relieve employee stress, and ultimately increase productivity.
 
Better still, get experts to do it for you. Our approach is proactive IT management. This prevents problems before they can interrupt your work. 
 
Let us keep your business crash-free. 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.  

​Could you imagine what it must have been like doing business 30 years ago, before you had a decent laptop?
 
It’s a horrible thought. And one that you only need to consider now and then, when you have an hour’s worth of work to do… but only 30 mins left on your laptop battery. Nightmare.
 
No one wants to be caught in the dreaded low battery limbo during a crucial meeting or presentation. But with a little know-how, you can extend your laptop battery's lifespan and keep it running optimally for years to come.
 
Understanding your battery is key. Most laptops today rely on lithium-ion batteries, which have a finite number of charge cycles. A charge cycle equals a full discharge from 0% to 100%, and each cycle diminishes the battery's capacity.
 
The golden rule? Avoid full discharges whenever possible… which means, don’t let the battery run out completely.
 
Let’s dive into your laptop's power settings to customize your battery preferences. Hibernation mode is your friend – it kicks in before your battery hits rock bottom. And don't forget to activate Battery Saver mode, a godsend for preserving power when your battery is running on fumes.
 
Next, it's time to declutter. Close background apps and say goodbye to unnecessary power drains. Toggle off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when they're not in use and dim screen brightness to conserve energy.
 
But what about charging etiquette? Contrary to popular belief, keeping your laptop plugged in won't harm your battery – modern devices are smarter than you think. Just steer clear of extreme temperatures and never let your battery dip below 20% if you can help it.
 
When it comes to storing your laptop for a little longer than usual, put it away with around 50% charge. And if you’re ever in doubt, some battery apps offer real-time insights into your battery's health.
 
Lastly, stay on top of software updates. New patches and upgrades can optimize performance and minimize energy consumption, giving your battery a new lease of life.
 
We help businesses round here get the most from their devices for as long as possible. If we can do the same for you, get in touch.

​Are you tired of juggling a multitude of passwords like a circus act? You're not alone. According to a recent report, around 1 in 4 of us feel the same. But it's not just the sheer number of passwords that's causing headaches – it's the security risks they pose.
 
Let's face it, when it comes to setting passwords, most people aren't cyber security experts. From weak and easily guessable passwords to the cardinal sin of reusing passwords across multiple accounts, human error is everywhere.
 
Another study revealed that, on average, people use the same password for five different accounts. And don't get us started on classics like '123456'… used on a mind-boggling 23 million breached accounts.
 
But here's the thing: Cyber criminals don't need any extra help. They're already pros at cracking passwords, and our lax habits are like an open invitation to wreak havoc. And let's not forget the staggering stats – a projected $434 billion loss to online payment fraud globally between 2024 and 2027, with 90% of data leaks attributed to stolen login details.
 
So, what's the solution?
 
Password managers.
 
These are essential software tools that take the hassle out of password management by generating and storing complex, unique passwords for each account. No more '123456' disasters. Just robust security.
 
And the best part? Password managers not only beef up your security defenses but they also streamline your digital life. With one-click logins and autofill features, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one. And with the right password manager, you can rest easy knowing your sensitive data is under lock and key.
 
A password manager makes your life easier and business safer at the same time. Want to know which one we recommend? Get in touch.

​You've probably been considering how to harness the potential of AI to boost your company's efficiency and productivity. 
 
But there's a small problem. A recent study revealed something fascinating but not entirely surprising: A trust gap when it comes to AI in the workplace. 
 
While you see AI as a fantastic opportunity for business transformation, your employees might be skeptical and even worried about their job security.
 
Here's a snapshot of the findings:
 

• 62% of C-suite executives welcome AI, but only 52% of employees share the same enthusiasm.
• 23% of employees doubt their company’s commitment to employee interests when implementing AI.
• However, 70% of business leaders believe that AI should include human review and intervention, showing they view AI as an assistant rather than a replacement.

 
Now that we understand the situation, how can you introduce AI gently and reassure your employees that their roles are safe? 
 
Start by having open and honest conversations with your employees. Explain why you're introducing AI and how it will benefit both the company and individual roles. Show them that AI is meant to be a helping hand, not a jobs terminator.
 
Invest in training that helps your people acquire the skills they need to work alongside AI. Make them feel empowered by showing that it can make their jobs more interesting and valuable.
 
Emphasize that your AI initiatives are designed to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Let your team know that it will handle repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work.
 
Develop clear guidelines for responsible AI use in your business. Highlight your commitment to ethical practices and ensure that employees are aware of these policies.
 
Involve your employees in the implementation process. Seek their input, listen to their concerns, and make them part of the solution. This shows that you value their contributions.
 
Encourage a culture of continuous learning. Let your employees know that they'll have opportunities for ongoing education and development, ensuring they stay relevant and valuable in the AI-driven workplace.
 
Introducing AI into your workplace doesn't have to be a cause for concern among your employees. AI is a tool for growth and innovation, not a threat to job security.
 
If we can help you introduce the right AI tools in the right way, get in touch.