“Amazon Haul” Budget Shop

Amazon has announced the launch of a U.S. beta of its new Haul Store, an online shopping experience designed to rival low-cost e-commerce giants Temu and Shein.  Products at $20 or Less  The Haul platform is to be integrated…
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Malware That Exploits Facebook Ads

In this insight, in reviewing how a malvertising campaign is hijacking Facebook accounts to spread the SYS01stealer malware, we examine the tactics used, plus we look at the impact on businesses and steps organisations can take to protect…

Tech Tip – How to Use Sticky Notes for Quick Reminders and To-Do Lists

Sticky Notes in Windows allows you to jot down reminders, ideas, or to-do lists and keep them open on your desktop for quick reference. Here's how to Use Sticky Notes: Open Sticky Notes Press Win + S, type Sticky Notes, and open the…

Flexible Working Drives Financial Gains

Following a recent University of Melbourne report revealing that companies offering strong flexible work options (such as remote working) experience enhanced market value, this article explores the factors driving these gains, examines supporting…
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Launched ChatGPT Search To Challenge Google Dominance

In this insight, we look at how OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Search aims to redefine online search by challenging Google’s dominance, with both tech giants racing to enhance user experiences through innovative AI features.  ChatGPT Search…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Auto-Hide Taskbar” to Increase Screen Space and Focus

The Auto-Hide Taskbar option hides the taskbar when not in use, maximising screen space and creating a cleaner desktop environment, which can enhance focus and reduce distractions. Here’s how to use it: How to Enable Auto-Hide Taskbar Open…
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How New Data Laws Will Affect You

Here, we look at how the Data Use and Access Bill is poised to reshape how our personal data is handled in the UK and we also review the significant changes it will bring, with implications for the NHS and beyond.  What Is the Data…

What Is ‘Open Washing’ ?

With many tech giants now using ‘open’ as in ‘open source’ as a marketing term, we look at what the issues around this are, why it needs to be discouraged, and how this can be achieved. What is Open Source? To understand the question…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Clipboard Pinning” to Keep Frequently Used Snippets Ready

Clipboard Pinning lets you keep specific items (like text or images) pinned in your clipboard history, ensuring they remain accessible even as new items are copied. Here's how to do it: Enable Clipboard History Go to Settings > System…
Facial Recognition Technology
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Face-Recognition & Personal Data Concerns

Two Harvard students have developed a program which (when used with Meta’s smart glasses) can identify people without their knowledge, thereby highlighting a potentially serious privacy risk.  Why?  In their report about their…
Tesla

What was Revealed By The “We, Robot” Event?

Following Tesla’s “We, Robot” event on October 10 at the Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, we look at the big reveals, the reactions to them, plus some of the key comments made and opinions given.  A Showcase of Futuristic…
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Google Breakup Proposed

Following a recent US ruling that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly on its online search and the associated advertising, the US government has now proposed forcing Google to sell off parts of its business, potentially leading to…
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Ryanair Third-Party Data Protection Inquiry

What happens to data gathered as part of Ryanair’s extra ID verification requirement (from customers who don’t book directly through its website), has led to an inquiry being launched by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC).  Why…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Virtual Keyboard” for On-Screen Typing

The Virtual Keyboard can be a lifesaver if your physical keyboard is malfunctioning or unavailable, allowing you to type directly on the screen with your mouse or touchscreen. Here's how to access it: To Enable the Virtual Keyboard: Press…

WordPress At War!

Following a (very public) recent spat between WordPress founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg, and WP Engine, we look at what’s happened and why, and what the effects have been WordPress users.  WordPress and WP Engine  To…
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Personal Activities … On Work Laptops (Part 2)

In this second part article, where we review the issues around employees engaging in personal activities on company-issued devices, we look deeper into the legal and compliance implications and provide real-world case studies of security breaches.…
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Sending WhatsApp Messages To Other Messaging Apps

In response to changes in the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (which came into force in March), WhatsApp users will soon be able to send messages from WhatsApp to people using other messaging apps, e.g. Messenger, Telegram, and Signal.  What…
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Microsoft Re-Launching Controversial ‘Recall’ Feature

Following Microsoft having to postpone the release of its ‘Recall’ screenshot feature in May over privacy concerns, it now plans to re-launch an updated version in November on its new CoPilot+ computers.  Recall – What Happened?  At…

Tech Tip – Use “Ctrl + D” to Quickly Bookmark Pages in Web Browsers

Quickly bookmark important pages or documents in any browser using the Ctrl + D shortcut, making it easier to save and access key resources. Here's how to use it to bookmark a page and choose the bookmark folder: How to bookmark a Page While…
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Musical Misconduct

In a first-of-its-kind case, a US musician has been charged with fraud for allegedly using thousands of automated bot accounts to stream AI-generated tracks from which he made more than $10m in royalty payments.  Which Tracks?  The…
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Personal Activities … On Work Laptops (Part 1)

CEO and founder of messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, was recently arrested in France over allegations that Telegram facilitates illegal activities, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and the distribution of child sexual abuse…
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Backlash Against 300% Canva Price-Hike

Popular online graphic design platform Canva is facing a backlash from customers following a price hike of up to 300% for its Teams subscription.  What Is Canva Teams?  The subscription-based Canva Teams feature within the Canva…
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Data Centres Now ‘Critical National Infrastructure’

Prompted by the effects of the global IT outage caused by CrowdStrike, the UK has moved to protect UK data centres by classing them as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’ (CNI).  CrowdStrike  Back in July, a global IT outage…

Tech Tip – How To Use “Print to PDF” to Save Files as PDFs

Windows has a built-in "Print to PDF" feature, allowing you to save any file or webpage as a PDF, which is useful for sharing professional, non-editable documents, without the need for additional software. Here's how it works: Open…
E-Waste

Getting Rid of E-Waste

In this feature article we explore how e-waste is currently disposed of, what happens to it afterwards, plus various initiatives and strategies aimed at reducing the ever-increasing pile of discarded electronics.  What Is E-Waste?  Electronic…
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What’s All The Fuss About Telegram?

CEO and founder of messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, was recently arrested in France over allegations that Telegram facilitates illegal activities, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and the distribution of child sexual abuse…
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Dublin Says No To New Google Data Centre

South Dublin County Council has refused Google Ireland planning permission for a new data centre at Grange Castle Business Park in South Dublin.  Why?  The reason given for the refusal was “the existing insufficient capacity…
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Warning Against Giving Smartphones To Under 11’s

Mobile network provider EE has launched a smartphone age guidance initiative in which it advises that children under 11 should only use non-smart devices with limited capabilities.  Children With Smartphones  EE says its new…

Tech Tip – How To Quickly Connect to Wireless Displays and Audio Devices

If you frequently connect your computer to wireless displays or audio devices, the Windows key + K shortcut provides a quick way to access these connections without navigating through multiple menus. Here's how: Open Connect Menu - Press…
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What Can Microsoft 365 Do?

Microsoft 365 is packed with numerous apps designed to save time, boost productivity and help you work smarter. Here’s a closer look at some essential (yet often under-utilised) applications that can make a significant difference in your…
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Windows 10 vs Windows 11

In this insight, we compare and contrast the Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, focusing on how they perform in key areas like user interface, performance, security, compatibility, and cost.  Rolled Out 2021  Since Microsoft’s…
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New Fear Unlocked – Robot Dentists

AI-driven automated dental technology company Perceptive has announced the completion of the world’s first fully automated dental procedure on a human using its robotic dentistry system.  Perceptive  Boston-based Perceptive…
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Hacked MSP Fined £6m (Provisionally)

A provisional £6m fine has been imposed on an NHS software provider Advanced Computer Software Group following a 2022 data breach that affected more than 80,000 people.  Advanced Software Group  Founded in 2008, Advanced Computer…