8 Ways to Organize Your Devices for Productivity

Our devices are a big part of our daily lives: work, fun, and staying in touch. Still, sometimes they make us less productive. In this article, you will learn how to organize your device and ways to boost your productivity and get more done. Why…
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UK’s New Cyber Severity Scale

The UK’s Cyber Monitoring Centre (CMC) has now started categorising cyber events using a scale designed to assess the impact and severity of attacks (similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes). What is the Cyber Monitoring Centre? The…

Tech Tip – How to Quickly Open a Second Instance of Any App

If you need multiple windows of the same app (e.g. File Explorer, Notepad, or Word), you don’t have to navigate menus. Here's how to quickly and easily open more windows: Hold Shift and Click on an open app's icon in the taskbar. This…

UK To Get Digital Driving Licences In 2025

According to a recent report from The Times, the UK is set to roll out digital driving licences in 2025, as a voluntary initiative, accessible via a government smartphone app. What Are Digital Driving Licences? Digital driving licences…

Tech Tip – How to Highlight Text and Translate It with Microsoft Edge

Use Edge’s built-in translation feature to quickly translate text into English directly in the web page you're looking at, without having to copy it to another tool. Here's how: Highlight Text on a Web Page: Select the text you want…

What’s New at CES?

Following CES 2025 in Las Vegas, which showcased a plethora of innovative gadgets and technologies offering a glimpse into the future of consumer electronics, here’s a selection of standout products that captured attention at this year’s…

Tech Tip – How to Add a Desktop Toolbar to the Taskbar

Save time by being able to access all desktop files and shortcuts directly from the taskbar without minimising windows. Here's how: To Enable Desktop Toolbar (Windows 10) : Right-click the taskbar, go to Toolbars, and select Desktop. Use…

Tech Tip – How to Create “Hidden Folders” for Private Files

Windows lets you hide specific folders, so they don’t appear in File Explorer, providing a simple way to keep files private without additional software. Here's how it works: To Hide a Folder Locate the Folder: Open File Explorer and…

“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…

Tech Tip – How To Sync Your Clipboard Across Devices

You may not know that Windows allows you to sync your clipboard across devices so you can copy content on one device and paste it on another. This is especially useful if you work across multiple Windows devices. Here's how it works: •…

Is Automated Driving Safe Yet?

In light of two recent reports of motorcyclists being killed in collisions with Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode, we look closely at the issue of whether automated driving is really safe.  Death of Two Motorcyclists  If automated…
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New Index Reveals Cyber Criminal Countries

In this insight, we look at how a recently developed ‘World Cybercrime Index’ appears to show the globe’s key cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.  Three Years To Develop  The…
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EU Funds 15 Blockchain Startups To Fight Misinformation

As part of the NGI TrustChain initiative, 15 startups have been awarded €1.8 million in funding to use blockchain to tackle online misinformation, fraud and fake identities.   What Is Blockchain?  Blockchain technology…
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Global Call-Spoofing Operation Shut Down

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has shut down a global call-spoofing operation called ‘Russian Coms’ which is believed to have been used to swindle more than 170,000 victims.  Russian Coms  Russian Coms is the name…

Tech Tip – How To Save Time With Double and Triple Clicks

Rather than manually highlighting and deleting blocks of text, Microsoft Word lets you quickly select words and entire paragraphs using simple mouse clicks. This can really help to save time and increase your efficiency when editing documents.…

CrowdStrike : What Happened?

Following 8.5 million Microsoft devices being hit by a faulty software update from CrowdStrike causing global chaos, we look at what happened, how, and why.  The Worst Cyber Event In History  The scale of effects of the disruption…
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Lessons Learned

Following the massive after-effects of the faulty CrowdStrike update, we take a look at the lessons learned so far in this ongoing situation.  What Happened?  On July 19, a faulty software update from cyber security technology…
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King’s Speech Highlights Security Laws

Following the State Opening of Parliament, the King’s Speech on 17 July included news of significant new legislative proposals to address cyber security concerns, focusing on supply chain risks, particularly in the public sector, and improving…
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New “Privacy-First” Email Writing Assistant

Swiss app company Proton has introduced ‘Proton Scribe,’ an AI-powered private writing assistant that writes and proofreads emails for you.  Why?  Proton says that with most of us sending emails daily, finding the right…

Tech Tip – How To Avoid ‘Link Rot’

When Google closes its URL Shortener service next year, this could leave many web pages with ‘link rot’ (a 404 error page where the shortened link once worked). Here we look at how you can find and fix link rot in your web pages, maintain…

‘Pay or Consent’ Model Breaches Rules

Following an investigation into whether the big tech companies are complying with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules, the European Commission’s preliminary findings say that Meta’s ‘Pay or Consent’ model for data-sharing is in…
Google Robot
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Gemini… Overblown Hype?

Two new studies show that Google’s Gemini AI models may not live up to the hype in terms of answering questions about large datasets correctly.  Google Gemini  Google Gemini is an advanced AI language model developed by Google…
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SpaceX To Destroy International Space Station

NASA has given Elon Musk’s SpaceX the contract to ‘deorbit’ (and destroy) the International Space Station at the end of its operation as NASA transitions to commercially owned space destinations closer to home.  SpaceX To Develop…

Tech Tip – How To Use Windows Key Shortcuts to Snap Windows

Snapping windows allows you to quickly arrange open windows on your screen, making multitasking more efficient by giving you a better overview of multiple applications simultaneously. Here's how to do it: To snap a Window to the Side: Click…
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Apple Avalanche!

Following Apple’s 5-day Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) recently at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, we take a look at the many new products announced and their key features.   Showcasing New Products  At Apple’s…
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Why Microsoft 365 Backup is Essential

In this Tech Insight, we look at why, as reliance on cloud services like Microsoft 365 grows, ensuring robust data backup has become a critical component of business security and continuity, then we look at some best practices for your 365…
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Musk Reacts To Apple & OpenAI Partnership

Following Apple’s recent announcement that it is partnering with OpenAI for its new AI system (which will see ChatGPT on Apple’s new phones), Elon Musk has threatened to ban Apple devices from his businesses.  Apple And OpenAI  Apple’s…
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NHS Cyber Attack Prompts Blood Donor Appeal

A recent ransomware cyber-attack on a provider of lab services to the NHS led to so much disruption in several major hospitals that an urgent appeal for donations of O-type blood was issued.  What Happened?  On Monday 3 June,…

Tech Tip – How To Pin Websites to the Taskbar Using Microsoft Edge

Pinning frequently used websites to your taskbar using Microsoft Edge allows you to access them quickly, just like any other app, enhancing your workflow efficiency. Here's how to do it: Launch Microsoft Edge from the Start menu or taskbar. Navigate…

Data and AI Strategies For SME Success

Following a recent AWS survey showing that data-driven SMBs who also adopt AI more quickly and make better use of it are financially outperforming their peers, we look at ways your business could do the same.  The Key Findings Of The…

Google Maps Alternatives

In this insight, we look at what’s good about Google Maps, what may be less ideal about it, plus we provide 10 examples of alternative mapping and navigation apps.  What’s Good About Google Maps?  Before we look at potential…
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ChatGPT Says Labour Has Already Won

A recent Sky News report said that when ChatGPT was recently asked by a journalist “who won the UK general election 2024?”, the chatbot replied that Labour had won a “significant victory”, even though the general…
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Google Acquisition Means Windows App Support For ChromeOS

Following the success of their partnership last year, Google has announced that it has acquired Cameyo, thereby enabling virtualised Windows apps to be integrated into ChromeOS.  Why?  Google says that its research (such as…

Tech Tip – How To Customise Quick Access in File Explorer

Quick Access in Windows File Explorer allows you to pin frequently used folders and files, making them easily accessible. Customising Quick Access can save you time when navigating to commonly used locations. Here's how to do it : Open…
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New Windows Screenshot Feature Sparks Privacy Concerns

The new AI-powered Windows ‘Recall’ feature that takes 5-second screenshots to generate a searchable timeline of everything a user has interacted with has prompted security and privacy concerns.  What Is Recall?  The Recall…
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Windows 11 Updates & VBScript Kill-Off ?

In this insight, we look at the implications of Microsoft’s announcement that the Windows 11 24H2 update is being tested in a pre-release stage and the deprecation of VBScript is being initiated by making it an optional feature.  What…
Antenae
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EE and Plusnet Customers To Get Refund From BT

After an Ofcom investigation that found BT didn’t give clear and simple information to customers who signed up to deal with its subsidiaries EE and Plusnet, BT has been told it must refund early exit fees and let existing affected customers…
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Microsoft/Truecaller Now Answers Phone Using Your Voice

A new partnership means that Truecaller’s AI Assistant can use Microsoft Azure AI Speech technology to enable Truecaller to answer your phone (via the Truecaller app) using an authentic AI version of your voice.  Truecaller  Truecaller…

Tech Tip – How To Set Up Dynamic Lock to Automatically Lock Your PC

Dynamic Lock uses the proximity of your Bluetooth-paired phone to automatically lock your Windows PC when you step away. This helps enhance security by ensuring your device is locked when you're not around. Here's how to set it up: Pair…

Microsoft Asks Hundreds Of Employees In China To Re-Locate

It’s been reported in Chinese state media that Microsoft has asked at least 100 employees to consider relocating to other countries.  Why?  It’s been reported that Microsoft has asked hundreds of its China-based employees,…

Tasty Offering : Raspberry Pi

With Raspberry Pi Ltd considering an Initial Public Offering, we look at what this kind of computer is, its value in promoting computer literacy, and what similar alternatives there are.  Raspberry Pi  Raspberry Pi, the most…
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UK Company Scammed $25 Million Via Deepfakes

It’s been reported that an employee at London-based design and engineering multinational, Arup, was duped by a deepfake video call into paying a staggering $25.6 million to fraudsters.  What Happened?  According to reports…
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Booking.com Becomes “Gatekeeper”

Online travel marketplace, Booking.com, has been designated a ‘gatekeeper’ company by the EU under its new Digital Markets Act (DMA) competition law, meaning that Booking.com now has six months to comply.  Gatekeepers?  Under…

Tech Tip – How To Use File Explorer’s “Group By” Feature for Better File Organisation

Organising files in File Explorer can make it easier to manage and locate documents. The Windows "Group By" feature allows you to categorise files by various attributes, such as date, type, size, or name. Here’s how to use it: Open File…
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Currys Selects Accenture and Microsoft to Deliver Core Infrastructure for Gen AI

International omnichannel retailer of technology products and services, Currys, has selected Accenture and Microsoft to deliver the core cloud technology infrastructure that will enable it to leverage the latest generative AI technologies.  Accenture?  Accenture…
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What Are ‘Deadbots’?

Following warnings by ethicists at Cambridge University that AI chatbots made to simulate the personalities of deceased loved ones could be used to spam family and friends, we take a look at the subject of so-called “deadbots”.  Griefbots,…
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OpenAI To Boost Training With Stack Overflow Data

A partnership deal between OpenAI and Stack Overflow (the question-and-answer website for programmers and developers) will see the Stack overflow Q&A data used to train and improve AI model performance, potentially benefitting developers…
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Wales Has Put A SOC In It

The UK’s first national security operations centre (SOC) known as CymruSOC, has launched in Wales to protect the country’s local authorities and fire and rescue services from cyber-attacks.  SOC  The Welsh government…

Tech Tip – How To Use Windows Security to Check Device Performance and Health

Windows Security provides a comprehensive overview of your device's health and security, including storage capacity, battery life, and apps and software that may affect your device's performance. Here's how to use it: Go to Settings >…
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Microsoft’s $10 Billion Renewable Energy Deal Fuels AI & Cloud

Microsoft has agreed to back $10bn in renewable electricity projects by Brookfield Asset Management to help it meet clean-energy commitments and provide its data-centres with the extra energy requirements of cloud and AI.  Global Framework…
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Millions Defy WhatsApp Bans

In a recent BBC World Service interview, Head of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, claimed that tens of millions of people in countries where WhatsApp has been banned continue to use it.  Where Is WhatsApp Banned And Why?  WhatsApp is…
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Apostrophes Dropped From Street Signs

North Yorkshire council has said it’s having to drop apostrophes from its street signs to avoid problems with its computer database!  Must Meet BS7666  The reason given for North Yorkshire council for dropping the apostrophes…

Tech Tip – How To Streamline Your Workflow with Virtual Desktops

Virtual Desktops in Windows are a good way to extend your workspace without needing multiple monitors and can be useful for separating different types of tasks or projects to keep your workflow organised. Here's how they work: Press Win…
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Jail Coder Course Shows Positive Results

US-based researchers have reported that the ‘Brave Behind Bars’ college-accredited, zoom-based web design course for prisoners has improved their sense of self-worth and given them digital literacy skills that help them stay out of prison.  Brave…
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World’s Largest (House-Sized) 3D Printer

Maine University in the US has announced that its new 3D printer has smashed the former Guinness World Record to become the largest 3D printer in the world, making it a significant step forward in the next generation of advanced manufacturing.  Factory…

Tech Tip – Restore Points For System Recovery

Creating ‘restore points’ regularly in Windows could save you from unexpected system failures and software installation issues and allow you to undo system changes by letting you return your computer to a previous state. Here’s how it…
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Microsoft Deepfakes Too Dangerous For Release

Microsoft says its new VASA-1 AI framework for generating lifelike talking faces of virtual characters is so good that it could easily be misused for impersonating humans and, therefore, Microsoft says it has “no plans” to release…
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Amazon Launches Amazon Live FAST Shopping Channel

Previously available on desktop, mobile and Fire TV, Amazon has now extended the reach of its “Amazon Live” FAST free ad-supported, interactive TV “shoppable” channel by launching it on Prime Video and Freevee, for US customers.  What…

Tech Tip – Enable Clipboard History for Easy Access to Multiple Clipboard Items

If you frequently copy and paste various items, Windows Clipboard History is an invaluable tool that saves multiple clipboard items for later use, allowing you to access a history of copied text, images, or files. Here's how to use it: Press…
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Oxford’s Secure Quantum Computing Breakthrough

Researchers at Oxford University’s UK Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub claim to have made what could be an important breakthrough in quantum computing security.  The Issue  As things stand, if businesses want to use cloud-based…

Tech Tip – How To Restore Recently Closed Files in File Explorer

Accidentally closing a File Explorer window that you needed can be frustrating, especially if you were deep in a directory structure or working with multiple files. Windows allows you to quickly reopen a recently closed File Explorer window…

Tech Tip – Record Steps in Windows to Explain a Problem to Others

If you need an easy way to explain to others the nature of a technical issue or the steps to take to solve that issue, Windows has an often overlooked, built-in 'Steps Recorder' to help you. As the name suggests, it records the series of steps…

A Dozen Handy Google Maps Tricks

With Google Maps now one of the most popular mapping services globally, used by millions of people every day, plus having new features regularly being added, here we look at a dozen top Google Maps (Android) tricks to help you on your way.  Driving  Since…

How To Quickly Access Symbols and Special Characters

Trying to find and insert particular symbols or special characters into something like a Word document can often be awkward and time-consuming, but Windows provides a quick-access character map for these symbols and characters to streamline…

What Is Customer Journey Mapping Software?

In this tech insight, we look at what customer journey mapping is, its benefits, the challenges of using it, and also we look at some of the popular customer journey mapping software solutions available.  What Is Customer Journey Mapping?  Customer…

Use Task Scheduler to Automate Tasks in Windows

Automating routine tasks can save time and ensure that critical operations aren't overlooked. The Windows Task Scheduler allows you to automate tasks such as daily backups, weekly disk cleanups, off-hours software updates, periodic service…

DMARC Diligence (Part 3) : Implementing and Optimising DMARC for Maximum Security

In this third and final part of our series of ‘DMARC Diligence’ insights, we explore the detailed process of DMARC deployment, its monitoring, optimisation, and preparing businesses for future email security challenges.  Last…

Optimise Power Plans For Your Battery Life

Windows allows users to customise or switch between different power plans based on their current needs, balancing performance with energy consumption. This is especially useful for laptop users who may need to maximise battery life or require…

DMARC Diligence (Part 2) : The Forgotten Domains : A Hidden Vulnerability

In this second article of the “DMARC Diligence” series, we shift our focus towards securing non-sending or “forgotten” domains and outline a strategy for their protection through DMARC implementation.  Recap Of Part 1  You…

Easy Batch Renaming of Files in File Explorer

Renaming multiple files one by one can be tedious and time-consuming. Windows File Explorer offers a simple way to batch rename files, which can be especially useful for organising documents, photos, or project files efficiently. Here's how…
email

DMARC Diligence (Part 1) : The Basics of Email Authentication

In this, the first of a series of three articles explaining DMARC and email authentication, we look at why SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are the key pillars of email authentication.  The Issue  Businesses face numerous cyber threats,…

Access Windows Secret “Send To” Menu for Quick Actions

Windows includes an extended "Send To" menu that offers more options for dealing with files, such as copying them directly to specific locations or sending them to compressed (zipped) folders. Here's how to access it: In Microsoft Windows,…

Exploring E-Signatures

In this tech-insight, we look at what e-signatures are, their benefits plus some of the main e-signature providers, as well as what to consider when choosing an e-signature service.  Popularity of E-signatures  The initial growth…
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Firm Ordered To Stop Employee Face-Scanning

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has ordered Serco Leisure to stop using facial recognition technology (FRT) and fingerprint scanning to monitor employee attendance.   Not Necessary or Proportionate  An…

Make MS Word Spellcheck Uppercase Too

You may not know that Microsoft Word doesn’t spellcheck uppercase words by default so, if you’d like to make sure your entire document (even your uppercase words) is fully spellchecked, here’s how: In Word, click on 'File'. Click…

Doorbell Ding-Dong

After the Amazon-owned ‘Ring’ video doorbell company’s recent major subscription price hike across its range caused anger and made the news, we look at what customers have said and if there’s a way to beat the price hike.  Ouch!  Ring…

What Are ‘Virtual’ Credit Cards?

In this tech-insight, we take a look at the world of virtual cards, who offers them, their benefits, and other secure payment alternatives. What Are Virtual Credit Card Numbers?  Virtual credit cards and their card numbers (as the…

Developing A Consistent Brand Voice Using ChatGPT

If you want to develop a comprehensive guide on your brand's voice and writing style to ensure consistency across all company communications, you can use ChatGPT to help you. Here's how:  Open ChatGPT and input a description of the…

Recover Unsaved Word Documents

If you use Microsoft Word on the desktop, it’s worth knowing that Word automatically saves versions of documents as you work even if you don’t, allowing you to save yourself time and trouble by recovering any unsaved documents. Here’s…

Remove Hidden And Personal Data Before Sharing A Word Document

If you’ve got a desktop Word document that you need to share externally, and you want a fast way to check for (and remove) personal information, comments, or other hidden data that you might not want to distribute, Document Inspector can…

Bring Someone Else Into Your Outlook Conversations

If you’re involved in an email conversation in Microsoft Outlook and you want a fast and easy way to introduce other colleagues to certain parts of your message without having to start a new conversation, here’s how:  In the body…
IT Growth

‘Only’ Double IT Spending Growth (To $5 Trillion) – IT & Security News (mklink.co.uk)

New research from Gartner has predicted that global IT spending this year will reach $5 trillion and IT spending growth will be more than double that of 2023.  A First – Spending More On IT Than Communications  In its IT…

Create Instant ‘To-Do’ Desktop Notes with Sticky Notes

Jot down ideas, to-do lists, or important reminders for yourself using Sticky Notes in Microsoft Windows. This simple but effective tool allows you to place virtual notes on your desktop, freeing you from paper notes that can get lost, and…

Use ChatGPT Within Microsoft Word

The ‘Add-Ins’ link on the menu (top-right) in Microsoft Word in Office 365 enables you to use many useful apps and tools directly within Word, including ChatGPT. Here’s how it works:  Open a Word document and click on ‘Add-Ins’…

Distraction-Free Reading In Word

If you have a document in Microsoft Word that you'd like to convert to a more readable, book-like format, reducing distractions and allowing you to really focus on the content, here's how: Open the document in Microsoft Word. Go to the…
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Pin Tabs In Chrome To Save Time And Stay Organised

If there are websites that you use regularly, pinning tabs is a way to save time, stay organised, and get right to the websites you need every time you open your Google Chrome browser. Here’s how it works: Open Chrome and type in the…
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Using Chrome As A Drag And Drop File Viewer

If you’d like to save time and conveniently view various types of files like PDFs, images, and text documents directly in the browser, eliminating the need for multiple separate applications, here’s how to use Google Chrome as simple, all-purpose,…
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Use Chrome As A Simple Note-Taking App

If you’re using Google Chrome to browse the internet and want a quick way to jot down notes or ideas without needing a separate app, this trick will turn a Chrome tab into a simple note-taking app. Here’s how it works:  Open a…
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Silence Distracting Website Notifications Using Chrome’s ‘Mute Site’

If you’re often overwhelmed by notifications such as customer service chats or discount alerts when you arrive on a website, Google Chrome has an in-built feature to instantly mute these. Here’s how it works:  When using Chrome…
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Filtering Video Searches In Google

If you need to search Google for a specific video, or for the best version of that video, Google Search lets you filter video results by duration, time, quality, source, and more. Here's how it works: Type the words into Google Search that…