Nex-Tech Blog | Technology Tips and Tricks | Industry News

Tech Edge 3.0 presentations were kicked off by a keynote from Austin McChord, founder of Datto.  While many in the room may not have heard of Austin prior to Tech Edge, they definitely will not forget him now.

To be honest, there never was a Microsoft Windows 9.  They skipped it and went from Windows 8 to Windows 10.  In my opinion, it was because Windows 8 fixed all of the problems in Windows 7 and then Windows 8 did not create any new problems that would have been released in Windows 9!  I have been using Windows 10 right at a year now and have not found any fatal flaws.  I have, however, put together a few tips and tricks for Windows 10.

First, if you are new to Windows 10, finding some of the settings can be difficult when you first start using it.  The easiest way I have found to get around is by hitting the Windows Key on the keyboard and typing whatever you are looking for.  Cortana finds it right away.  You can also click in the bottom left where it says “Ask me anything”.

Security and Surveillance are becoming a more and more important part of everyday lives. In airports, train stations and department stores, we oftentimes are not only used to the sight of surveillance cameras, but they even give us a sense of safety – we feel more comfortable knowing that the bad guys can be caught in action. The same applies to your business: a surveillance system will give you piece of mind as an owner, but it will also provide a sense of safety and security to your employees and customers, as well as a visible deterrent for anyone attempting to inflict damage.

But just like any other technology the choice is vast and as diverse as can be – from the technology used to features and functionalities and finally price. Here are five things to look for when you are wanting to get started on a surveillance system or are looking to upgrade an existing system.

Is your business utilizing the power of social media? If you’re not, why? Don’t know how? Don’t have time? Don’t have anything to say? These are all valid reasons, but there are some great resources out there that can help you become a social media pro or at least look like one.

We could spend forever talking about every social network out there and why or why not your business should have a presence, but in this post, I am going to focus on the social media juggernaut, Facebook.  Facebook has over a billion active users, no other platform has that kind of user base.  Not only does it have the most users, Facebook has done a great job of helping businesses reach their target audience, plus it is super easy to use.

‘I’m not really sure why I want one, but I know I do.’  Too many times that phrase has entered the mind of a computer/technology geek like me.  Lately, I’ve been thinking those thoughts regarding VR (Virtual Reality) devices or headsets.  They are all over right now.  From a $5 piece of cardboard to a high end headset from one of the major phone manufacturers, you cannot look at story about technology and avoid the concept or advancements in the VR realm. 

Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, LG 360, etc. are some of the endless options available right now to dive into your own virtual world.  Most of the devices seem to be of the same idea - take your existing phone and snap it into the headset (Oculus Rift supplies the display, no phone needed).  Strap the headset on and fire up some software that takes you to another world, or takes you live somewhere around this world.  Couple this with 360 degree cameras and you will be able to experience ‘being there’.  You can look and walk around while experiencing the sights and sounds as if you were really walking on a Caribbean beach. 

Regardless if your business is small, medium or large, digital marketing can help you reach your financial goals. When most people think of digital marketing, they just think about social media. It is much more than that. It encompasses every avenue you can use to promote your brand using electronic media. More and more people turn to their smartphone, computer or tablet when making a purchasing decision. If they can’t find you, they can’t buy from you.

I have an end of year process that I go through to clean up my PC, so when I come to work at the first of the year, it is like I have a new computer.  I feel like the year has a fresh start and for at least the first couple of days, I know where all my files are!

Managed Services is one of the current buzzwords in technology, yet there is a lot of confusion about what that exactly means and how it influences the way you treat technology in your organization. The good news is, if done right, it can turn IT from a chaotic, kind of scary and unpredictable monster, into what it truly should be: the perfect assistant that makes your life much easier and your organization more productive.