Following the recent news that the EU plans to introduce a single, universal charger for all devices, it has been reported that the UK has said that it is not currently considering copying the idea.  Just One Universal Charger Cable  A…

A report by datacentre energy management company Schneider Electric has highlighted a sustainability action gap between the statements of intent and actions of IT companies.  The Research  The research for the report, carried…

The new, free Firefox Translations browser extension translates websites in the browser without using the cloud, using machine learning.  Client-Side Translations  Firefox Translations provides automated translation of web content…

New York state lawmakers have passed a two-year ban on energy-hungry ‘proof-of-work’ crypto mining that uses carbon-based fossil fuel power plants.  Energy-Hungry Crypto-Mining  One of the big environmental challenges of cryptocurrency…

With Macs getting a huge boost in popularity over the pandemic and a new report showing Mac shipments growing almost twice as fast as the PC market as a whole in 2021, we look at why more businesses are embracing Macs, and also what challenges…

Rather than EV drivers waiting for 40 minutes to re-charge the car battery at a charging station, could the solution be stations where drivers can quickly swap their battery for a fully charged one?  Swap Battery Rather Than Wait To…

Following the launch of the new business-focused WhatsApp Cloud API, we take a look at where Facebook’s (i.e. Meta) popular secure chat app is heading.  Cloud API  Last week, Facebook’s WhatsApp announced that it was opening…

In this insight, we look at the development, applications, and issues relating to new ‘smart eye’ wearables such as smart glasses and contact lenses.  Smart Contact Lenses  Smart contact lenses, such as those in development…

In this insight, we look what ereaders are, their strengths and weaknesses, and popular makes and models.  Ereaders  Ereaders / e-book readers / e-book devices are mobile electronic devices that look similar to tablets and are designed…

A fast-growing Amsterdam-based start-up, The Great Bubble Barrier, has created a barrier (as the name suggests) that uses bubbles to stop plastic waste from entering waterways and to remove plastic from them.   Most Plastic Travels…

The UK government has announced that it is giving statutory powers to the new Digital Markets Unit (DMU) regulator to enforce pro-competition rules and protect users from the “unfair practices” of big tech companies.  New Watchdog…

With our devices using lithium-ion batteries and with Electronic Vehicles (EVs) currently dependent on lithium for their rechargeable batteries, we look at the environmental impact of lithium mining, and what the possible alternatives could…

In this article, we look at the immediate challenges ahead for Twitter with Elon Musk now at the helm, plus we look at some of the likely ways that he could start adding more revenue.  What Happened?  Billionaire Elon Musk recently…

New research by British Gas (Centrica) has revealed that UK households could save an average of £147 per year on their electricity bills by switching off their ‘vampire electronics’.  What Are Vampire Devices?  So-called ‘vampire…

In this tech insight, we look at what ‘toxic’ backlinks are, how to identify them, and how to remove them.  Backlinks Backlinks (incoming links) are believed to be one of Google’s top three ranking factors. Trustworthy backlinks…

Windows 11 ‘voice typing’ feature uses online speech recognition so that you can enter text on your PC simply by speaking. Here’s how to use it: Firstly, make sure you’re connected to the Internet, have a working microphone, and…

In this tech-insight, we look at what Web 3.0 is, together with its main benefits plus some concerns about it.  What Is Web 3.0?  Web3 / web3 / Web 3.0 (a term coined in 2014 by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood) is the next phase…

As part of its roll-out of the collaborative working ‘Loop’ app, Microsoft has announced that included in its ‘365 Roadmap’, self-updating Loop elements can now be used in Outlook emails. What Is Loop? In November 2021, Microsoft…

A report by SEO software firm SEMrush has shown that so-called ‘Dumbphones’ are experiencing a revival, but why?   What Is A ‘Dumbphone’?   Dumbphones are mobile handsets that lack the advanced functionality characteristics…

The Edge Bar is a handy floating sidebar / mini (Bing) browser that comes with the latest version of Edge in Windows and makes searching and accessing email and other platforms faster and easier. Here’s how to enable and use it: Open Edge…

The EU Parliament, Council negotiators and lawmakers have agreed new rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will limit the market power of the big technology companies and open up the market for competitors.  What Is The Digital…

Deepfake videos of both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky have appeared online this week, both with quite different messages.   What Are Deepfake Videos?   Deepfake videos are made…

A recent revision to the (draft) Online Safety Bill could mean that executives who don’t comply with the regulator’s information request could start facing penalties such as jail just two months after the bill becomes law.  The…

Proofpoint researchers have reported that, starting in early February, there has been a 500 per cent jump in mobile malware delivery attempts in Europe.  Trend  According to the researchers, this rise is in keeping with a trend…

If you've started using Windows 11 and, as a long-time Windows user, you'd prefer the Start button to still be on the left rather than centred, here's how to move it back:  Press the Windows Key + I to open the 'Settings' app. Select…

In this article, we look at what Starlink is and why it has been making the news in the last couple of weeks.  What Is Starlink?  Starlink, operated by billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX company uses a constellation of low orbit satellites…

In this article we look at how cyber-attacks have been used by Russia against Ukraine, how this may spread to other countries, and what businesses can do to prepare. Cyber Attacks – A Part of ‘Hybrid Warfare’  State-sponsored…

If the Online Safety Bill is passed in its current form, it could mean that the main social networks will be forced to filter out any unverified accounts.  One Of Two New Duties Added To The Bill  Last Friday, the government published…

Insurer Aviva has highlighted how accidental damage caused by VR headset-wearing gamers caused a 31% jump in home contents claims in 2021.  Average of £650   Aviva reports that the average VR-related claim for accidental damage…

Organising your open apps on the screen in a way that suits you can be a great help to productivity and can save time. Here’s how to choose the right snap layout in Windows 11: Hover over a window's maximise button OR press Windows logo…

Microsoft recently announced that it will be blocking Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros by default as a way to stop the spread of malware. Since these macros are important automation tools for Microsoft Office apps, how is this going…

In this article we look at 5G and what it offers businesses? 5G refers to the fifth generation of technological standards for broadband networks (hence its suitably apt name). Broadband networks - the last generation of which was known as 4G…

In this tech insight, we look at what Chrome extensions are and how to access them. Then we look at 10 examples of popular and useful Chrome extensions. What Are Chrome Extensions? Extensions for Google’s Chrome browser are software…

A new report from F-Secure has revealed that the most technically competent staff are just as likely (if not more likely) to fail a phishing test exercise. Phishing Phishing attacks typically involve sending emails that appear to come…

If you’d like an easy way to get a text transcript of your YouTube videos, try using YouTube’s built-in transcript tool. Here’s how: Log in to YouTube and go to YouTube Studio.Select Subtitles from the sidebar (left).Select a video,…

In this tech insight, we look at what a watering hole attack is, some examples of such attacks, and how businesses can defend against this threat. Poisoning The Water A watering hole attack is a targeted, ‘supply chain,’ cyber-attack…

In this article, we take a look at some of the ways users can assess how good their VPN really is. What Is A VPN? A ‘Virtual Private Network’ (VPN) is used to keep internet activity private, evade censorship / maintain net neutrality…

In this tech insight, we take a look at a selection of the latest B2B and B2C tech products and gadgets on show at the recent CES® tech trade show. Examples The more business-focused devices, hardware and software on show included: Laptops…

The Google Maps mobile app now has many useful and surprising features. Here are 3 top Google Maps tips you may like to try: 1. Remember Where You Parked When using Google Maps on Android, on reaching your destination, tap the blue location…

If you’d like to run favourite but no longer compatible versions of older programs, apps, and games (legacy software) on Windows 10/11, try using ‘Compatibility Mode’. Here’s how. To enable legacy software that worked on old versions…

In this tech insight, we look at challenges to using passwords, what password managers are, and why they are still so important. The Limitations and Challenge of Passwords Passwords have long provided a practical way to log in to websites,…

US-based scientists have reported creating “living robots” that can now re-produce. Next Step From Last Year Last year, a team of US scientists reported creating ‘living robots’ which were actually bundles of stem cells from African…

In a change to its Private Information Policy, Twitter has banned the sharing of personal media, such as images or videos without the subject’s consent. Why? Twitter says that as part of its ongoing work to align its safety…

The EU’s adoption of a proposal on the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on Tuesday not only offers the potential to help tackle the market dominance of big tech businesses but could also protect whistleblowers. What Is The Digital Markets Act? Currently…

In this week’s security update, GoDaddy has reported a hack/data-breach on its managed WordPress hosting service which could mean that the details of 1.2 million users may have been exposed. Reports indicate that an intruder gained access…

‘Right to repair’ campaigners finally had something to celebrate last week as Apple announced its “self-service repair” programme, aimed at “customers who are comfortable with completing their own repairs.” Initial Phase Apple…

If you’d like to change your default Windows 10 web browser from Edge to Chrome or Opera, here’s how: In the ‘Start’ menu and select ‘Settings’ or type ‘Settings’ in the Windows search field.In ‘Settings’, select ‘Apps’,…

A Prospect trade union poll has revealed that 32 per cent of UK workers are being remotely monitored and tracked by employers. Big Rise The poll also shows a rise in the number of employees under remote surveillance that’s up from a…

In this featured-article, we look at the traditional frustrations that occur when customers encounter (some) phone systems and how technology is helping to bring better experiences. Spending Time On Hold Being put on hold and spending…

Microsoft has unveiled the new ‘Loop’ collaborative app which it describes as “a flexible canvas with portable components” designed for assisting with new hybrid working patterns. Background Microsoft says that the new…

A report from Consumer watchdog Which? reveals that as many as 1.1 million people in the UK may have been caught up in a parcel delivery ‘brushing’ scam. What Is Brushing? Brushing is where people are sent packages of goods to their…

Trying to open a file where you don’t know the file type and there's no extension can be frustrating, time-consuming and potentially insecure so here are options to help: First check that the file actually has no extension: Right-click…

Microsoft has announced that the first preview of Android apps on Windows 11 is now available, albeit currently for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel in the U.S. Others to follow. 50 Apps To Try Microsoft says that it has partnered…

In Apple’s new “Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Millions of Apps” white paper, it describes the threat posed by ‘sideloading’ on its App Stores. Here’s what you need to know.  Sideloading Sideloading normally…

Many cybers attacks now take the form of using fake/spoof communication to trick victims into parting with personal (or company) data, or money. We take a look at some of the most popular and widely reported methods and how to avoid falling…

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for a ban on the use of AI-based predictive policing systems and the processing of biometric data that leads to mass surveillance. Areas The resolution seeks to ban the use of facial…

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra security dimension to accounts, and with Google now heading down the route of automatically enrolling millions of users into 2FA, here’s how to check if 2FA is turned on for your Google account: Go…

Amazon has entered the B2B insurance market through a partnership with Superscript and is offering cyber insurance to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. Cyber Insurance? Cyber insurance protects businesses (and individuals providing…

Alphabet subsidiary X, the Moonshot Factory’s ‘Project Taara’ is claiming 99.9 per cent uptime within the first 20 days of a light beam/laser broadband project. What Is It? Laser-based broadband uses wireless optical communications…

With the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 phone being the latest foldable phone in the spotlight, we take a closer look at what foldable phones are, their advantages, their disadvantages, and likely future development. Foldable As the name suggests,…

Apple has issued a security update following the discovery of a zero-day, zero-click “spyware” that could infect iPhones and iPads. Discovered By Researchers The threat was discovered by independent researchers from the University…

If you’re browsing the Internet or working on file in Windows 10 but you need a fast look at your desktop here’s how: While in a browser or working on a Microsoft Office file e.g., Word, find the tiny vertical line to the far, right…

With Google and Amazon (plus soon-to-be Facebook and Apple) getting into making ‘Smart Glasses’, we take a brief look at what different types are currently being used for, plus we look at the vision for the future of these promising wearables. What…

In this article, we look at how a surprisingly large proportion of Internet traffic is made up of bots, how many of these can be ‘bad bots’, and what businesses can do to keep enjoying the benefits of good bots while guarding against the…

Following an investigation into WhatsApp Ireland Ltd, the Irish data regulator (DPC) has issued Facebook’s popular WhatsApp chat app with the second-largest GDPR fine of €225m. Long Investigation The eye-watering fine of €225 million…

A Microsoft recent update announcement about Windows 11 appears to say that although the new OS still won’t run on some older PC’s, Microsoft doesn’t plan to stop you from trying. The Problem When Microsoft’s June Windows 11 announcement…

If you’d like a tidy, easy way to see your Gmail emails and Microsoft emails all in one place in Windows 10, here’s how to set it up: Click on ‘Start’ and type ‘Mail’, and select the Mail app.Open the app, right hand side click…

In this article, we take a look at how two-factor authentication, introduced to help add an extra layer of security to logins, has its own vulnerabilities. What Is 2FA? Two-factor authentication (2FA) combines a username and password…

In this article, we look at how Zapier and other alternatives can be used to link apps together and create automated workflows that can carry out daily/weekly marketing tasks for you in the background while you get on with running your business. Zapier Zapier…

In this article, we take a brief look at what Web accessibility is, and how it can benefit Web users and the businesses and organisations that make it a priority. What Is It? Web accessibility mean that websites, tools, and technologies…

Facebook’s WhatsApp is rolling out its new ‘View Once’ feature whereby photos and videos disappear from the chat after they’ve been opened. Privacy and Space-Saving WhatsApp says that the feature gives users more control over…

If you need to search just one domain for a particular search term, here’s how to use Google to do just that: Go to Google.com.Enter site: www.website.com search term into the search box e.g., site:bbc.co.uk painting.Refine your search. Email: hello@gmal.co.uk Visit…

An error in the HM Courts and Tribunals Service computer system meant that 5,000+ defendants were wrongly assigned guilty pleas. Accidental Criminal Convictions The problem that led to 5,000+ people being wrongly given criminal convictions…

The new Online Media Literacy Strategy from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) is aimed at supporting 170+ organisations to improve media literacy rates in the UK, and thereby help young people to spot disinformation. As…

After a recent ‘Which?’ survey found that some branded printer ink costs more than some champagnes, we take a look at the reasons why printer ink is so expensive. The Recent ‘Which?’ Survey The survey by consumer watchdog Which?…

Two-Factor-Authentication (2FA) refers to another piece of information that users are required to provide (in addition to username and password login details) to access a website/platform/account. Requiring another piece of information protects…

If you’d like to get data-driven insights into your work habits to improve your productivity, you could try Microsoft 365 MyAnalytics platform. Here’s how: Sign into your Microsoft 365 account.Select MyAnalytics from the app drawer or…

Only 6 months after the storming of the United States Capitol in Washington and having his social media accounts suspended, former US resident Trump is suing Google, Twitter and Facebook, and their respective CEOs for allegedly censoring him. Twitter…

Recognising that Microsoft 365 does not comprehensively back up your data means that making sure that you have a third-party, “point-in-time” backup solution is an important consideration for your business. Only For 30 Days Microsoft…

It has been reported that children called ‘Alexa’ are being bullied because they share the same name as Amazon’s digital assistant and consequently, some parents are now calling for a digital name change. Alexa There are an estimated…

After John McAfee was found dead in a Barcelona prison cell last week, we take a brief look at the colourful life of this complicated, maverick software entrepreneur. McAfee Antivirus The products that made John McAfee a household name…

If you use Google Sheets and need to simplify data-entry, adding dropdown lists can really help. Here’s how to add them: In Google Sheets, select the cell where you want the dropdown list.Click on ‘Data’, select ‘Data Validation’,…

An investigation by consumer champion ‘Which?’ has revealed that food ordered via delivery apps such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats can be considerably more expensive than dealing directly with the food outlet. Food Delivery Apps Seven…

In this article, we look at how the weather can affect your Internet connection, and therefore the fortunes of the Web. Vulnerabilities Thinking beyond the router that is indoors, and protected from the weather, the rest of the infrastructure…

A recent Citizens Advice survey has revealed that 2.5 million people are behind on their broadband bills, with 700,000 of these falling into the red during the Covid pandemic. Young, With Children Under 18, Or Receiving Universal Credit…

A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) survey has found that half of UK businesses expect to reduce the size of their office space, and one-third expect to reduce it by 30 percent. Reduce Size of Real Estate Portfolio The Occupier Survey…

Sometimes you can accidentally close an important browser tab. Here’s a fast and easy way to re-open that tab: In Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, right click on the title bar of the browser (the part above the address field).Select ‘Reopen…

After a recent high profile media story highlighted how poor router security led to a police raid of the home of an innocent family, we take a look at how Wi-Fi piggybacking attacks against home and domestic targets, and VoIP hacking of businesses…

As part of Google’s latest security updates to Chrome and Android, users will not only be alerted if any of the passwords in their Password manager are compromised but will also be given the opportunity to make a quick fix. Quick Fix –…

In this article, we take a brief look at what a firewall is, what types there are, and the benefits and drawbacks of firewalls. Firewall A firewall is a network security system that can monitor and control incoming and outgoing network…

With AI recently in the spotlight in Europe over the need to regulate over some ‘unacceptable use’, some experts are warning of the threat of AI keystroke reading spy tools. Possibilities Companies like TypingDNA developing AI biometric…

If you have Amazon Echo devices in your home (or office), the ‘Drop In’ feature allows you to use Alexa as an intercom through your Echo devices. Here’s how: Open your Alexa app.Tap 'Devices' (lower-right corner).Tap 'Echo & Alexa'…

In this article, we take a brief look at ten popular programming languages and what they’re used for. Recent History What we would recognise as the first computer programming languages date back to the 1940s, were very specialised and…

It has been reported that NYPD has cancelled its contract with the company that supplied its ‘robot dog’ after the robot’s militarised appearance increased tensions with civilians at a difficult time for police relations. What Robot…

In this article, we take a brief look at what an MSP is, what services they provide, and what benefits businesses get from using an MSP. MSPs A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a company that delivers outsourced IT services and support…

This article takes a brief look at what private browsing actually means with popular browsers and software, and how genuinely private browsing could be achieved. Why Browse Privately? Over 80 percent of websites use one or more tracking…

If you would like to save time by configuring Outlook to only send you alerts when important emails arrive, here’s how: This involves setting up custom alert rules for specific people whose emails are particularly important to you e.g.,…

President Biden’s administration in the U.S. has placed new sanctions on Russia over alleged cyberattacks affecting the U.S. and its allies. What Is Russia Accused Of? The U.S. government sanctions relate to: The ‘SolarWinds attack’…