Mobile technology has transformed the SMB workplace. But for many small and medium-sized businesses, the use of mobile devices has a hidden cost: Security.

Key insights / findings:

• The majority of SMB’s are highly mobilized, driven by the bring your own device (BYOD) trend of recent years
• SMB IT managers significantly underestimate the number and kinds of mobile devices connecting to their network
• SMB IT departments lack solutions to map their corporate standard for information security used with laptops, desktops and servers to mobile devices. For example, they have tremendous difficulty determining if mobile devices are up-to-date with the latest firmware
• On average, > 80% of the employees are already using smartphones and tablets
• 56% of iOS devices were running out-of-date firmware
• 39% of total authenticated devices were inactive > 30 days, prompting concerns and conversations with employees about lost, sold or otherwise misplaced devices with employee credentials and sensitive corporate data

Tell us in the comments below if you have any questions or concerns about IT security for your business. Or call 1300 885 200 to speak with an expert.

Sources:

1. Gaebler – Small Business Technology News > http://bit.ly/zASYMt

2. Mobilisafe > http://bit.ly/Aqgouv

Google Alerts are emails sent to you when Google finds new results — such as web pages, newspaper articles, or blogs — that match your search term. You can use Google Alerts to monitor anything on the Web. For example, people use Google Alerts to:

• find out what is being said about their company or product.
• monitor a developing news story.
• keep up to date on a competitor or industry.
• get the latest news on a celebrity or sports team.
• find out what’s being said about themselves.

Here is how it works:

1. Enter the keyword you wish to monitor in the Search query box.

2. Select the result type. Choose from Everything, News, Blogs, Video, Discussions, Books.

3. Choose how often you want to receive alerts.

4. Specify how many.

5. Enter your email address then click “CREATE ALERT“.

Once your done setting up alerts, you will start receiving email updates from google.

It's funny when it's true. People do almost "everything" on computers.

Wouldn't this be great!? You can check your emails or facebook the moment you wake up and right before you close your eyes to sleep.

• Saves space on your desk
• Lighter weight
• Better viewing experience

**It’s even better if you have 2 of them. 2 monitors can improve productivity from 20-50%.

2. External hard drive

• Great for backups
• It’s portable

3. Wireless keyboard and mouse

• No messy wires
• You won’t have to be stuck on your desk. This will allow you to move around.

4. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

• Backup power supply
• Great in cases of sudden power loss. This will provide power to your computer and will give you enough time to save your work.
• Protects your computer from sudden electrical spikes or dips.

5. Bluetooth dongle

• Allows easy sharing.
• Great for computers that don’t have a built-in Bluetooth.

Key Features

• Ultra wide see through screen. Don’t worry. It works like a one way mirror. People can’t see behind the screen.
• Interactive touchscreen display technology
• Size is up to 46 inches
• Resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels

According to reports, this product will be mass produced and will be available in the market really soon.

Desktop

Advantages:

• Less likely to get stolen or to get lost. Desktop computers are quite inconvenient to carry. Thieves are more likely to steal gadgets that are portable, such as a tablet or a laptop.
• Easier to upgrade or repair. It is always easier to add or remove components to a desktop which makes it very flexible. Components can be replaced when they are broken.
• More durable.. In general, desktops last longer than laptops.
• Less expensive. These days, there are many affordable laptops out there but if you would look at the specifications, it’s usually no match to a full desktop’s speed and memory size. There are some really good laptops that are already dual core and the memory is about 320GB or more but they’re far from being cheap.
• The screen resolution of available monitors for desktops is higher and far better than most portable devices. A high resolution screen can consume a large amount of power. It’s not ideal for most portable computers to have high resolution screens because it can easily drain the battery.
• Come in various shapes and sizes with some of the latest models being very sleek.
• Excellent for those who are very serious about their gaming – can add lots of customizations including increased power, excellent graphic cards and sound cards.

Disadvantages:

• Not portable. You can’t carry it around with you.
• Totally dependent on electricity. If there’s a power outage, you won’t be able to use it unless you have an alternative source of power like a UPS or a power generator..
• Not as stylish and trendy as laptops and tablets.

Laptop

Though laptops still don’t challenge all the benefits of a desktop computer, the gap will continue to narrow, and for mobile workers a laptop is the way to go. Whether a laptop can replace a desktop depends on the kind of work you do.

Advantages:

• It’s number one advantage is its portability. It can easily be carried around which makes it perfect for those who are on the go. Also excellent for working with on the couch, kitchen bench, coffee shop etc.
• Powered by rechargeable batteries. You can still use it even when there is a power outage.
• Stylish and trendy. They look more attractive compared to desktops. They come in different styles and colors.
• Comes in all shapes and sizes … and now colours so your laptop can be a reflection of your personality.
• Compact design. A laptop is a space saver. It doesn’t occupy a big amount of space unlike a full desktop.
• Can attach external screens, mouse, keyboard, speakers etc., whatever you like.

Disadvantages:

• Higher risk of being stolen. Compared to a full desktop, laptops are more vulnerable to theft. Countless laptops are stolen everyday so you need to be cautious.
• While it’s unlikely that a desktop computer will fall off the desk, the same can’t be said for a laptop, which runs the risk of being accidentally dropped.
• Limited battery life plus the battery’s life deteriorates after prolonged use.
• Not easy to upgrade or repair. Laptops have components that are specifically customized for a particular unit. If one of the components is damaged, you might have to replace the whole laptop.
• Screen resolution may be not high quality. For high-end graphics work, a laptop’s LCD screen and graphics technology is not a viable alternative to the better colour representation of a large CRT monitor and a dedicated graphics card.
• Some people find that the keyboard is not as comfortable and functional as a full keyboard that comes with a desktop PC.

As you could see, desktops and laptops both have their own advantages and disadvantages and in reality also are in many ways very similar in their capabilities to the average user. Choosing between them would depend on what points are more important to you and what purpose the computer will serve you.

If you have any questions or suggestions please let us know. And also, drop by facebook page and click on “Like” to regularly receive tips and updates.

View example.

Here are the simple steps:

1. Go to URLCapt.

2. Copy and paste the url of the website you want to save, then click on “Capture“.

3. Wait for it to finish processing. When it’s ready, you can download the file, share it or print it.

This online tool is very useful if you want to capture the entire page. But if you only want a portion of a page read this article >> TOOLS FOR CAPTURING A SCREENSHOT.

1. Get ready: Strengthen your computer’s defenses

New threats emerge hourly, and can come from anywhere—email, websites and removable media like USB keys and CDs. Up-to-date anti-virus software is essential for keeping your network safe from both known and unknown threats. Remember to keep your security components—including those on the following list—up to date.

• Firewalls.
• Antivirus protection.
• Spyware protection.
• Software updates.
• Email spam filters.

Recommended article >> Top 5 Threat Protection Best Practices

2. Download with caution: Think first. Click later.

With your computer’s defenses strengthened, the rest is up to you. Here’s what you can do to protect your computer.

Beware of fraudulent email messages. Don’t click links or open attachments unless you’re sure of the source. In pop-up messages or warnings, click the X (close box) instead of OK or Agree to get rid of the box.

• Only download from reputable sites. Be cautious about downloading from unknown sources and from sites containing objectionable material or too-good-to be-true offers.
• Install and use file-sharing programs cautiously. When you use file-sharing programs to trade music, video, or other files on the web, you make some of your files—or even your entire hard disk drive—available to others using similar software.
• Save files for safer downloads. If you’ve decided to download a file from the Internet, save the file first to your hard drive. Then, when you attempt to open the file, your antivirus software can check the file and delete it if it detects potentially damaging code. To do this, in the File Download dialog box, click the Save button instead of the Run or Open button.

3. Remove malicious software

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may download a program you don’t want. If this happens to you, here are some ways to get rid of it:

• Run antispyware tools.
• Run the malicious software removal tool. Read this article for more information on how to do this. >> How to get rid of a common and current vicious virus
• Disable add-ons. Web browser add-ons can display things like toolbars and stock tickers but can also install spyware or other malicious software. In Internet Explorer, you can disable add-ons from the Tools menu. Click Manage Add-ons, select the one you want to disable, and then click Disable.

Due to the changing nature of potential attacks, preventing malicious software from damaging your computer takes continuous vigilance. However, by installing and updating protection tools and by using caution when you work, you can help minimize the risk.

Source : http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/security/downloads.aspx

1. I’m just a small business. Businesses are dismissing their potential by maintaining the belief that they are too small. The truth is, small businesses should utilize technology to gain competitive advantage.
2. I don’t have the budget. Many small business owners fail to see the benefits investing in new technology will bring in productivity and other efficiencies. Technology should be viewed as an OPPORTUNITY and not a cost.
3. I don’t have the time. Most small businesses err on the side of familiarity over efficiency. It’s true that learning or adapting to new technology may be challenging but it’s only in the beginning. Once you have adjusted, you will reap great benefits.