Windows 11 Is Here and There Are Plenty of Changes

Microsoft, Microsoft 365, Ophtek, power automate, Security, teams, upgrade, upgrade software, widgets, Windows 11, Windows Task Scheduler, , , , , , , ,
01
Feb 2022

The latest version of Microsoft’s operating system Windows has now been rolled out; and Windows 11 comes with plenty of changes for PC users.

Windows 10 was released in 2015 and, since then, there have been many changes in IT. While Windows 10 is still more than capable of dealing with modern IT, there always comes a point where an overhaul is needed. And this is why Windows 11 has been released. It’s available as a free upgrade to anyone currently running Windows 10 and contains both updated applications and functionality.

Upgrading to a new operating system has always represented a major shift in the way that PCs operate, so it’s important to understand what happens when you hit that ‘install’ button.

Why Are Upgrades Necessary?

Taking advantage of operating system upgrades allows you to harness numerous benefits. Firstly, an older operating system is always up against a ticking clock of being discontinued. Once support has been discontinued, an older operating system is more at risk of security threats. Secondly, new operating systems are better positioned to cope with the demands of modern IT. Therefore, installing an upgraded version ensures you have a better user experience.

What’s Changed with Windows 11?

As with all previous upgrades on Windows, there are a significant number of changes. Many of these are unlikely to be noticed by your average PC user, but others will be more obvious. The most important changes are:

  • Microsoft Teams: during the Covid-19 pandemic, Microsoft Teams became a valuable tool for employees to communicate through. But it had never been an in-built part of the Windows operating system. Starting with Windows 11, however, it is now included by default.
  • Power Automate: Windows 11 has a new feature called Power Automate which allows PC users to program ‘flows’ which create automated tasks such as notifying team members when new files are added to a specific location.
  • Widgets: the interface of Windows 11 now allows you to harness the power of widgets, a type of software which has been common on mobile devices for some time. These new desktop widgets allow you to install widgets which provide information “at a glance” on a slide-out menu such as calendar updates.
  • Security: one of the major security features of Windows 11 is that it will only run on new machines. Therefore, if your hardware is starting to look even slightly old, it’s unlikely Windows 11 will run on it. This means that Microsoft is setting a strong baseline to ensure PCs running Windows 11 are as up to date as possible. Built on top of this security foundation are several background security processes including updated stack protection and enhanced bootup security.
  • Interface Design: the most notable changes in Windows 11 relate to the visual aesthetics of the interface. The start menu has been overhauled to provide quicker access to the apps you need, notifications are now grouped together to make accessing them quicker and File Explorer has been redesigned to look smarter and more intuitive.

Final Thoughts

Installing updated software is always recommended to ensure your PC is running with the best protection and functionality. And upgrading to Windows 11 is no different. It’s an essential upgrade and one which, although certain features will require some adjustment time, will provide you with enhanced productivity and a smoother user experience.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Microsoft Printers Patch Exposed as Vulnerable

Ophtek, patches, printer vulnerability, Security, Security Threats, Updates, upgrade, , , , , , ,
01
Sep 2020

The importance of installing updates and patches should never be underestimated. However, did you know that even these are not 100% secure?

Microsoft knows a thing or two about computers, but this doesn’t mean they are immune from mistakes and flaws. Accordingly, they regularly release patches and updates to address any vulnerabilities in their software.  A recent investigation, though, has discovered that these updates aren’t quite the safeguard consumers would expect. And, when you consider the amount of applications that Microsoft bundle with their systems, this is a matter of major concern.

Given the number of patches you are prompted to install each and every week, it’s important to understand what has happened on this occasion.

A Vulnerable Patch

The initial vulnerability in question relates to a flaw which was discovered in Windows printing services. Your first thought may be that printers are far from a security risk, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. If a device or application has any form of access to your network then it needs strong defenses. And this is why Microsoft was keen to patch a vulnerability which offered hackers a route into PC networks through print spooler software. This patch was issued in May and Microsoft believed this was the end of the story. But this story was due to run a little longer.

Researchers discovered that the impact of this initial patch could be negated by simply bypassing it. By modifying .SHD files (better known as Shadow), the researchers were able to add them into the spooler folder. This particular type of folder allows commands to be sent between a PC and a printer. Usually this is the preserve of printing documents, but the modified Shadow files allowed the researchers to send all manner of commands. It’s a scenario which had the potential to give hackers full access to a network.

How Can You Defend Against Weak Patches?

The vulnerability in question is no longer in present in systems which have since been updated, but it paints a worrying picture for PC users. If you are unable to rely on patches to give you full protection then what hope do you have?

First of all, you must, no matter what, always install all security patches. They are a crucial aspect of security and are all programmed with an objective of preventing an attack. This printer spooler fiasco demonstrates they are not perfect, but the majority are capable of fulfilling their aims. Nonetheless, being overcautious with IT security is always a good idea. Therefore, make sure you follow these simple steps:

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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7 Tips for Keeping Your Sensitive Data Secure

Cloud Storage, Data Backup, Data Security, Ophtek, Password Security, Security, Updates, USB Flash Drives, , ,
13
Aug 2019

Data will always be one of the cornerstones of your business. But keeping this data secure in the 21st century is a big ask. So, how do you protect it?

A staggering amount of data is created every single day and your business will contribute to this with each order placed, every service request logged and all the mailing lists you create. Data such as this is sensitive and needs to be protected. If personal details are compromised then they can be used for fraudulent purposes. Your customers need to trust your organization to handle and protect their data correctly. But in a world full of hackers, malware and social engineering it can feel like an uphill struggle.

However, you can make a significant difference to your data protection. And it doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, you can elevate the security of your data quickly and effectively. All you have to do is follow our 7 tips for keeping your sensitive data secure.

  1. Use Cloud Storage

Individual PCs can become compromised by security breaches. And this means that the data stored on this hardware is up for grabs. But if this data is stored remotely it’s securer and less likely to be stolen. The perfect way to achieve this is by investing in remote cloud storage.

  1. Never Display Passwords

Passwords should never be displayed e.g. written on a Post-It note stuck to your monitor. Hackers don’t have to be external figures, they can easily be an internal threat. Therefore, create passwords which you can remember easily and don’t need to have visible reminders for.

  1. Make Sure Deleted Files are Overwritten

A deleted file isn’t necessarily deleted. And a hacker who knows what they’re doing can easily retrieve those files you thought were deleted for all eternity. But if these deleted files are overwritten enough times then you can make it impossible to retrieve them from your hard drive.

  1. Always Encrypt USB Sticks

USB sticks are useful for carrying around large amounts of data in a small space, but their small size means they’re easy to lose. Therefore, you should always ensure that data on these devices is encrypted and password protected.

  1. Install Anti-Malware Protection

You can never take enough precautions when it comes to data security, so anti-malware software should always form part of your strategy. Malware operates stealthily and can steal your data at a rapid pace. But with anti-malware protection in place you can reduce the risk of malware getting a foothold in your system.

  1. Always Install Updates

PC software and hardware is prone to security vulnerabilities. And these vulnerabilities give hackers the opportunity to access your systems and your data. Installing all updates at the earliest opportunity helps you to avoid having your systems and data compromised.

  1. Destroy Old Hard Drives

Technology advances at a rapid pace and PC hardware can soon become obsolete in the face of newer, faster technology. Hard drives are a case in point. But you need to make sure old hard drives are disposed of correctly. They contain a lot of data, so need to be thoroughly cleaned and then shredded to prevent any sensitive data being made available to external sources.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Why It’s Time to Finally Upgrade to Windows 10

Ophtek, upgrade, Windows 10, Windows 7 support, , ,
12
Mar 2019

Support for Windows 7 is coming to a close with Microsoft retiring the operating system in January 2020, so it’s finally time to upgrade to Windows 10.

Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in January 2015, but extended support has continued and ensured that the OS remains popular with both business and personal users. The familiarity of Windows 7 and the various criticisms that were labeled at Windows 8 have also enhanced its popularity, but it will soon represent a nonviable option. Accordingly, mass migration to Windows 10 is currently taking place and, due to the disruption this can cause, it’s crucial this is completed sooner rather than later.

Why You Need to Upgrade to Windows 10

There are a number of reasons why it’s paramount that you upgrade to Windows 10, so let’s take a look at some of them:

  • Enhanced Security: Running Windows 7 past its retirement date represents a major security concern and it’s one that’s best avoided. At present, security patches are regularly issued by Microsoft to combat any security concerns. However, with support no longer available, Windows 7 will receive no such protection and will be wide open to attacks from hackers. 
  • Compatibility Issues: With Microsoft no longer supporting Windows 7, software and hardware manufacturers have little impetus to ensure their new products are compatible with it. After all, the security risk posed isn’t worth it and the numbers of Windows 7 users is set to plummet, so it’s not a good use of resources. If you do continue with Windows 7, though, you’ll gradually find that less and less new software/hardware will run on your system.
  • Increased Productivity: Windows 10 brings a number of performance enhancements to the table and this can significantly increase your organization’s productivity. The startup process is noticeably faster and users find that they can execute numerous tasks more quickly in Windows 10 than with its predecessors. This helps you to not only get more done throughout the day, but ensures that you can keep pace with your competitors.

How Do You Plan Your Upgrade?

Upgrading to a new OS is a major step, so it’s important that you plan carefully to minimize the disruption that this can cause:

  • Backup Your Data: Installing a new OS is a complex task and one that’s resource heavy on your PCs, so there’s every chance that something could go wrong. And this is why it’s important that your data is backed up to prevent any data loss from corrupted/failed installs.
  • Roll out the Upgrades: Upgrading every member of staff to Windows 10 at once is a risky move as, if your upgrade plan is even just slightly flawed, this will impact upon your entire workforce. Instead, work on a roll-out plan that upgrades Windows 7 on a user by user basis. This approach allows you to monitor any potential problems and rectify them before too many users are affected.
  • Train Your Staff: Windows 10 is packed full of new features and processes, but you need to make sure that your staff know how to use it and get the best out of it. Windows 10 is substantially different in its design to Windows 7 and, without the correct training, even the most experienced PC user will find they struggle.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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5 Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Servers

PC Server, Tower, Updates, upgrade hardware, Windows Server, ,
04
Sep 2018

Your server is the backbone of your organization’s IT functionality, but what do you need to consider when it’s time to upgrade?

Purchasing and installing a new server is a massive move for any organization. Install the best server for your needs and your productivity should skyrocket. Choose one that doesn’t quite fit with your business and it will seriously harm the way you’re able to operate. Therefore, choosing the correct server is important if you value your organization’s future.

Moving forward, though, isn’t always straightforward due to the complexity of such an upgrade. To help simplify matters, we’re going to share five things to consider when upgrading your servers.

  1. The Right Performance

First and foremost, you have to make sure that any potential new server is able to meet the needs of your organization’s IT needs. The main reason that an organization looks to upgrade is because the current technology isn’t able to fulfill their existing needs. Consulting with various department heads and IT professionals is essential to gauge the necessary requirements, so start by compiling this information and work from there.

  1. Is Integration Possible?

You’ve more than likely got an existing server in place, but upgrading doesn’t mean that you need to chuck your old one out with the trash. In fact, it’s possible that you’ll be able to integrate vast sections of your existing server into your new server. Not only does this potentially save you costs on new technology, but it also provides a level of consistency in terms of staff knowledge on the existing technology.

  1. Costs?

Performance, of course, is paramount, but price is equally important as all organizations work to a strict budget. Once you understand your performance needs, the next step is to evaluate which available servers meet this most closely. Technology, after all, can be costly, so you shouldn’t be paying for any technology that won’t be of use to your organization’s output.

  1. Factor in Maintenance

A brand new server is fantastic, but even the most up to date technology needs to be maintained. Any length of downtime is disastrous for any organization which understands the basics of productivity, so the shrewdest move with servers is to ensure that some form of maintenance cover is put in place. Often, there will be a warranty included with new technology, but this will always have an expiry date, so make sure you start asking about extended warranty options from an early stage.

  1. Future Upgrades?

It may seem counter-intuitive to consider future scalability as you upgrade, but looking to the future is vital when it comes to working with IT technology. The rapid pace at which technology expands means that you may need to consider growing your server a lot sooner than you expected. Discussing expansion options is crucial to safeguard against being lumbered with huge costs in the future when your existing technology is unable to expand further to keep pace.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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