Limbtec Limited > Blog > Windows

This blog category contains information about Windows, of all flavours both desktops and servers.

Privacy alert: Change this setting in Edge, now

10th July 2023
A setting to change in edge

Don’t be mistaken, we love Microsoft Edge (and think you will too), but lately, something has come to our attention that we wanted to share.

It’s always a good idea to be aware of what your browser is doing behind the scenes. And there’s an Edge setting that you might be interested to learn about. It’s one that sends the images you view online to Microsoft.

While this might not seem like a big deal on the surface – it’s done to enhance the images – some business owners might be concerned about the privacy implications. After all, you never know who might be looking at your browsing history.

The good news is that it’s easy to disable this setting if you’re concerned about it. Here’s how:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots (“More actions”) in the upper-right corner of the screen
  2. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
  3. Scroll down and click on “Privacy, search, and services”
  4. Under the “Services” section, turn off the toggle switch next to “Improve your web experience by allowing Microsoft to use information about websites you browse to improve search suggestions, or to show you more relevant advertising”

That’s it! With just a few clicks, you’ve disabled the feature that sends images to Microsoft.

Of course, there are other settings in Edge that you might want to explore as well. Like the ones that control your data collection preferences, or the ones that limit pop-ups and redirects.

Why should you take a few minutes to check out your browser settings? Well, for one thing, it can help protect your privacy and security online. By being aware of what your browser is doing, you can make informed decisions about what data to share (and what to keep private).

Plus, exploring your browser settings can be a fun and educational experience in its own right. You might discover new features or hidden gems you never knew existed.

And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a tech expert to understand these settings. In fact, Microsoft has done a great job of making them simple and straightforward, with clear explanations and helpful tips along the way.

If you ever get stuck, our team is happy to help. Get in touch.

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Here’s how cyber criminals try to hack your accounts while you sleep

5th June 2023
How cyber criminals may hack your MFA

Have you ever felt frustrated by the flood of notifications from your multi-factor authentication (MFA) app?

Well, cyber criminals have too. And they’re taking advantage of “MFA fatigue” to try to gain access to your sensitive business data.

MFA is essential for keeping your data secure. It adds an extra layer of security to your apps and accounts by asking you to verify your identity in two or more ways, such as a password and a code sent to your phone.

The constant alerts can be overwhelming though.

Attackers know this and will bombard employees – sometimes in the middle of the night – with a constant stream of MFA notifications. Which makes it more likely someone will authenticate a login attempt through frustration, tiredness, or just to get the notifications to stop.

But now there’s a new weapon in the fight against MFA fatigue.

Microsoft Authenticator has introduced number matching as a way of making sure your MFA notification is from the correct login attempt, preventing cyber criminals from taking advantage of notification fatigue.

How does number matching work?

When you receive an MFA notification, the app will display a randomly generated number. You then need to input this number to authenticate the login attempt and prove you’re not a cyber criminal trying to access your business data.

That’s not all. Microsoft Authenticator also allows for biometric authentication, which means you can use your face, fingerprint, or other unique physical features to prove your identity and combat the threat of MFA fatigue attacks.

With these security measures in place, your business can stay ahead of cyber criminals and keep your sensitive data better protected.

If you already use Microsoft Authenticator, number matching is ready to use. Simply make sure your app is up-to-date, and you’ll be protected.

If you use another MFA system and want to look at how to make your security better or easier, we can help. Get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Microsoft hints at some exciting Windows 12 developments

31st May 2023
Windows 12 is in development

We’re fickle creatures.

Windows 11 still feels like a new toy, yet we’ve already heard (reliable) speculation about Windows 12 arriving as soon as next year. And now it’s all we can think about!

What will it look like?

What improvements will we see?

Will there be new features?

We can’t answer these questions with certainty just yet, but there are whispers of new features that could be big news for businesses.

Three in particular have got us excited.

First (and probably most obvious) is the inclusion of more AI functionality. From automation to chatbots, AI has exploded in recent months. It just makes sense that Microsoft will harness this power to bring us a more impressive operating system.

We’re likely to see better AI analysis of our content, and prompts to help us begin projects or choose apps to help get things done. It will also help us speed up what we’re doing with improved intuition for what we’ll do next.

We do know that Microsoft wants to bring us faster updates and better security.

It’s likely things will be split into different sections rather than having the entire OS as a single entity as it stands today. That means updates to different elements will be able to run in the background while you continue to work, and different people may be granted access to each partition for improved security.

Microsoft also intends to make the Windows 12 experience more modular. The benefit of creating different components in this way is that higher-powered devices will get the maximum Windows experience, while lower-powered devices will still be able to do everything they need, running the Edge browser, Office tools, or web apps, for instance.

Some of these features may be reliant on dedicated hardware and upgraded equipment and we’re waiting for more announcements on that. As soon as we hear, you’ll be the first to know!

If you haven’t yet made the move to Windows 11, now’s a good time. Get in touch if you need any help or advice.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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The final curtain call for Windows 10: What you need to know

30th May 2023
Windows 10, the final curtain call

Microsoft has announced that the current version of Windows 10, released in 2022, will be its final release.

If you’re currently using Windows 10, you might wonder what this means for your day-to-day operations.

The good news is that your computers won’t suddenly stop working. Nor will the current updates and security patches for Windows 10 disappear anytime soon.

However, you may want to consider upgrading to Windows 11 sooner rather than later. Microsoft has made it clear that it will be devoting all its attention to the new operating system from now on, so future developments and innovation will be focused on Windows 11.

Upgrading can be a daunting task, but moving to Windows 11 has so many benefits:

Enhanced performance

Windows 11 has been designed to maximise efficiency and performance across all types of devices, making it a no-brainer for businesses looking for faster and more efficient technology.

Improved user experience

The interface has been updated with a more modern look, making it easier to navigate and customise.

Increased security

Windows 11 comes with Microsoft’s most advanced security features, making it harder for cyber criminals to breach your system.

Better integration with cloud services

Windows 11 gives you access to a range of cloud-based services, making it easier to collaborate with other team members and enhance your business’ productivity.

If you’re still hesitant about upgrading, keep in mind that Microsoft will eventually stop releasing security updates for Windows 10. We’re expecting it to be in late 2025. This means staying with Windows 10 for too long could put your business at risk of security threats.

The sooner you upgrade, the better your protection against these threats, and the more significant the benefits you’ll be able to reap from Windows 11.

Like any big project, making the move to Windows 11 needs to be planned and implemented properly. Your hardware needs to meet certain requirements and, of course, you’ll need to make sure it’s done without affecting day to day operations.

If you’d like help making the transition with as little disruption as possible, get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Windows 11 optional update: Why it’s better to wait

22nd May 2023

Microsoft has just announced an option for people to trial new features before their general release in Windows 11.

This isn’t about fixes to security flaws – everyone gets those at the same time.

This is an opportunity for businesses to jump the queue to receive new features and updates first.

Sound exciting?

Yes!

Worth the risk?

Not quite.

Our advice?

Patience is a virtue!

Sure, it may be tempting to give in to the tantalising prospect of new features… nobody ever wants to wait. But jumping aboard any trial phase comes with risks.

Bugs, errors, and other stumbling blocks could have a significant impact on your operations, potentially causing chaos in your daily workflow.

Waiting until features have completed a thorough trial process gives you the advantage of other people’s experience. They’ve already dealt with the complexities so, by the time you get the new features, they’ll be polished and dependable. And isn’t that more important for the smooth running of your business?

Trust us, the safe road is the smart road, especially when your business systems are involved. The benefits of being an early adopter may seem enticing, but you don’t want to end up being the guinea pig.

Remember the old adage… good things come to those who wait!

We’re all for keeping up with the latest technology and software updates, but there is a time to exercise caution, and this is one of those times. Don’t be tempted by the shiny new features.

  • Be patient
  • Stay safe
  • And ensure that when the time comes, you’re getting something that’s proven to work

Microsoft already has a lot of (tested and approved) features that can boost productivity and make your work processes smoother. We spend a lot of time helping businesses find the right ones for them. If we can do the same for you, get in touch.

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10 Common Tech Problems Plymouth Businesses Are Eliminating From Their Business Forever

9th May 2023

They say, “You get what you tolerate” and now more than ever, we’ve been conditioned to tolerate worse service at higher prices. Companies get a ‘free pass’ simply by saying phrases like “the labour shortage,” “because COVID,” or “inflation.”

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

While you may be able to still do business even with some less-than-stellar vendors in some areas, if all your computers were to suddenly stop working, your network go down, your files gone, chances are you’d be dead in the water.

Your business depends on technology, and you need to make sure everything is up and running RIGHT and you’re protected ALL the time.

Here’s a list of ten common problems, complaints and just downright failures in service we hear of all the time…and I’ll show you how to eliminate them in your business.

  1. When you call your IT company, your message goes to voicemail and you’re stuck waiting hours (or even days) for a call back so your problem gets resolved.
  2. You often must reach out multiple times to get a problem resolved and you need to check back to see what the status is and get a timeframe.
  3. Your IT company doesn’t proactively monitor, patch and update your computer network’s critical security settings daily (or at least weekly) leaving your entire business vulnerable to attacks.  
  4. Your IT company doesn’t offer proof that they are backing up ALL your data, laptops and devices.
  5. Your IT company doesn’t meet with you regularly (at least once a quarter) to report what they’ve been doing, review projects and offer new ways to improve your network’s performance instead of waiting until you have a problem to make recommendations.
  6. Your IT company doesn’t provide detailed invoices that clearly explain what you are paying for.
  7. Your IT company doesn’t explain what they are doing and answer your questions in terms that you can understand, NOT in “geek speak” and they don’t routinely ask if there’s anything else they can help with, no matter how small.
  8. Your IT company doesn’t proactively discuss cybersecurity with you or make recommendations for protecting your network from ransomware and offer employee training videos, so they don’t fall victim to a scam.
  9. Your IT company hasn’t provided you complete network documentation, and they hold the “keys to the kingdom” refusing to give you admin passwords so you’re totally helpless if something goes wrong and you can’t get a hold of them.
  10. Techs arrive late and dressed like they just got out of bed, and you cringe every time you need to make that call because they’ll make you feel dumb or like they are ‘doing you a favor’ even though you’re paying them!

If you’re tolerating any of these common problems, know that you don’t have to! You could be paying for substandard support and worse, not be keeping your company protected.

This could jeopardize your data and your network’s security and cost you thousands in lost productivity because you and your employees are spending time dealing with problems that shouldn’t exist.

If that’s the case, then it’s time you see what else is out there and make sure you’re getting what you pay for.

To schedule a free 10-minute discovery call to see how we can get rid of your tech issues, go to https://limbtec.com/book-a-call

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What is AI?

16th March 2023
Let's start talking about AI

The whole world is suddenly talking about Artificial Intelligence.

From Alexa in your kitchen, to Siri on your phone, AI is already all around us, but new names like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Jasper and more feel like they’ve blown up the internet.

These new concepts take things WAY further, helping us to write articles, search the web with natural conversation, generate images, create code, and introduce new ways to make our daily lives even easier.

But emerging technology nearly always launches in a blizzard of geek-speak before it settles into everyday life. Early PC users might remember the ‘DOS prompt’. And when did you ever have to ‘defrag’ your phone?

Experts believe that these new AI tools will become the building blocks of a whole new world of tech, redefining the way we interact with computers and machines.

So let’s help you decode some of the terms you’ll hear this year.

Chatbot Starting with the basics, a chatbot is an app that mimics human-to-human contact. Just type or speak normally, and the chatbot will respond the same way. ChatGPT is a chatbot. If you haven’t tried it out yet, give it a go.

Deep learning This is the technique that’s used to imitate the human brain, by learning from data. Current search tools and systems use pre-programmed algorithms to respond to requests. AI tools are trained on concepts and conversations in the real-world, and learn as they go to provide human-like responses.

Machine intelligence The umbrella term for machine learning, deep learning, and conventional algorithms. “Will machine intelligence surpass human ingenuity?”

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) helps machines understand the meaning of what we say, even if we make grammatical errors or speak with different regional accents.

Weak AI is the most common form of AI in use right now. Weak AI is non-sentient and typically focuses on a single or small range of activities – for instance writing, or repurposing video content. Strong AI, on the other hand has the goal of producing systems that are as intelligent and skilled as the human mind. Just not yet.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, but trust us – you’re going to be hearing a lot more about AI in the months and years to come.

If you’d like more help to understand how AI might form part of your business, just get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Windows is the prime target for cyber criminals

18th December 2022
Windows is the prime target for cyber criminals

Windows is the prome target for cyber criminals, the bigget reason why is its huge dominance in the workplace. The bad actors are trying to steal your information, disrupt your business, or hold your data to ransom.

Tens of millions of attempted malware attacks were discovered throughout this year, and a massive 95% of those threats were targeted at Windows.

Although most of these are unsuccessful, those that are succsessful can cause havoc for the affected businesses. The best way to minimise or prevent this is by taking all possible precautions to protect your business and your data.

  • Hardware and software companies release regular updates to address threats to Windows users, as well as security patches designed specifically to deal with new risks. These should all be installed as soon as they become available.
  • Your people should be regularly trained in how to spot cyber security threats and what to do if they suspect one.
  • And because it’s not possible to protect every business from 100% of all threats, it’s also important that you have a strong resilience plan in place.

Resilience Plan

This should detail exactly how your business should react if it falls victim to a cyber attack and who should be notified to take action. Everyone in the company should have access to this document and know to report any potential attack as quickly as possible – that’s the best way to lessen its impact.

If you have an IT service provider, they’ll be able to make the best recommendations to keep your business safe and secure, train your people, and even provide monitoring to spot any potential danger before it becomes a problem.

This is something we do every day. So if we can help your business become more resilient, just get in touch.

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Passkeys could improve the way you work.

22nd August 2022
Passkeys could improve the way you work, forever

Passkeys could improve the way you work, a few months back we looked at passkeys as the successor to the password.

Now, we’re hearing that Apple will start rolling out Passkeys in the next few months in iOS 16. And we’re excited.

Though it’s caused a bit of confusion. Apple is going to great lengths to market the Passkey, and understandably, people have assumed that it’s a feature exclusive to Apple.

That’s not the case.

In fact, Passkeys will be used in a joint effort to boost online security by Apple, Microsoft and Google. The reason Apple is promoting this new feature so hard is to get the message out there.

Microsoft and Google are also keen to spread the word so that people understand how Passkeys work.

The more people take advantage of Passkeys, the safer our businesses are online.

Passkeys could improve the way you work

Passkeys – otherwise known as FIDO authentication – work by letting you log into an app or website with just your username and your pre-authenticated device, most probably your phone.

Your device generates a cryptographic token, which makes the second part of a cryptographic key pair. When the pair matches, you’re allowed access to the app or website.

What that means in practice is when you’re logging in, you just use your phone to prove its really you. You’ll just unlock it using your face, fingerprint or PIN.

So long as your phone is within Bluetooth range of your computer it will work.

And without needing a password… bliss…

It’s a far more secure way to access apps and keep your accounts safe from cyber criminals. You never see your cryptographic token, so it takes away a lot of the danger of having your login credentials stolen.

Cyber criminals will be unable to use their normal tactics – such phishing emails, brute force attacks, or key loggers – to steal your credentials.

They’ll need your physical device, making remote hacking much less likely.

If you use Windows Hello, you’ll see that Passkeys are already supported. And it won’t be long until all three tech giants roll out support across their entire product range.

Before then, if you’d like any help or advice on keeping your apps and accounts safer, just give us a call.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Coming to Windows 10 Soon.

22nd August 2022
Coming to Windows 10 Soon.

There’s no denying the Windows 11 has a lot of really cool new features, and some of these will be coming to windows 10 soon.

If you haven’t made the move from Windows 10 yet, you’re missing out.

But there’s good news. To make the (eventual) move from Windows 10 to 11 a little easier, Microsoft is sharing a couple of 11’s most useful features.

Coming to Windows 10 Soon.

The first should make printing a little easier. We can hear your cheers from here! Anything that makes printing easier is OK in our book too. Printers don’t have a terrible reputation for nothing…

This feature makes printing PIN-protected. That means when you want to print a document, you’ll send it off to the printer – but it’ll only print when you’ve reached the printer and entered your PIN.

This removes the risk of you printing something confidential and leaving it on the printer for everyone to see.

Or accidentally printing several copies of the same document. Yes, this will reduce paper waste.

And that’s not all…

There’s a second really useful feature coming over to Windows 10. It’s called Focus Assist and works alongside do not disturb.

Switching on do not disturb is great when you want a little uninterrupted time to finish a task or do some research. But if you use it a lot, you might miss a notification that you really needed to see.

Focus Assist stops that from happening. You use it alongside do not disturb and it still allows important and time-sensitive notifications and messages to reach you.

These features have been in testing since June this year. There’s still no date for when they’ll be released to everyone with Windows 10. But they’re on their way.

If you can’t wait to try more of the time saving and productivity boosting features that Windows 11 has to offer, give us a call to see how we can help you make the switch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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