Computer
By admin IT Support 0 Comments

Top Things to Consider When Buying a New Computer

Buyer’s remorse: that sick feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you know – you know! – that you’ve made the wrong decision. You should have purchased X instead of Y., Or you really should have spent those few extra hundred dollars to get the functions you now know you definitely need, instead of opting for cheap and cheerful (or aesthetic and impractical!). So, what should you consider before spending your hard-earned dollars on a new computer?

Laptop or desktop?

Let’s start here. Consider a desktop if you don’t need to take your work on the go. A desktop with identical specs to a laptop will generally be less expensive (as they don’t need to cram all of their hardware into a portable space), but don’t forget the extra cost of a dedicated monitor. Desktops are also easier to upgrade and customise, but you obviously can’t pop down to your local café with it!

How much memory (RAM)?

Random access memory, or RAM, is essentially your computer’s short-term memory. The more memory it has, the more it can multitask and the quicker it will run. Lots of RAM – 8GB or even 16GB or more – will help your computer cope with running multiple programs at once or having a bunch of web browsers open at the same time.

Know your processor

While RAM is your computer’s short-term memory, the processor is its overall brain. And, yep, a better brain will give you a better experience! Processors can be measured by their ‘clock speed’ (in GHz) and the number of cores. The key factor to focus on for your processor decision will be the type of applications you’re likely to be running – if you need something that can run heavy-duty software (for film editing, for instance), you’ll want more processing power.

Storage space

Storage space, or your computer’s hard drive, holds your operating system, programs and files. So, do you need big digital cupboards or will most of your programs and data be accessed through the cloud? If you do store most of your files in the cloud, then you may not need a lot of hard drive space – and the less space you need, the lower the price.

When it comes to the type of hard drive, a newer-tech solid-state drive (SSD) is the way to go if you can afford it. SSDs are faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and are less likely to have read/write issues.

Operating system: Windows or macOS?

Now, this is a personal choice! Your operating system is the software that runs your computer, and Windows and macOS are the two most popular. It’s easy to find opposing ‘10 Reasons Why ONE is better than THE OTHER’ online, but for a very broad perspective, Windows is often considered better for PC gaming, while macOS is preferable for creative activities like graphic design. You choose! (We love both!).

Need help? Contact Geelong’s computer hardware specialists

All of the above may be a lot to take in, and talking to an expert can help you drill down to discover exactly what you need. Geelong Technology Group is your one-stop tech-needs shop if you’re after a new machine and want to walk through your desired specs. We source only high-quality components from reputable suppliers to ensure your home or business computer solution is just what you require. No buyer’s remorse here!

Give us a call or drop by our showroom to chat in person:

☎️1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

🕘 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday

166 Francis St, Belmont

connectivity energy ball wi-fi
By admin IT Support • Networking 0 Comments

Five common wi-fi issues – and how to fix them!

Do you remember how we once lived without wi-fi? Nah, we don’t either! We’ve become so used to having instantaneous access to the internet that when we experience wi-fi issues, it can feel like the world is about to end! Avoid catastrophising and read on for common wi-fi issues – and their (generally straightforward) solutions.

The single device won’t connect to the internet

When everyone else is busy working, but you’re languishing in a wi-fi free purgatory, try the following:

 

  1. Turn off the wi-fi on your phone/tablet/computer.
  2. Instruct your device to forget the connection.
  3. Turn off your device and turn it back on.
  4. Try to reconnect now. (You may need your password.)

 

If the old ‘disconnect, turn off, turn on’ routine doesn’t work and you’re running Windows 10 or 11, you can also run through the ‘Identify and repair network issues’ diagnostics. (MacOS users can try ‘Wireless Diagnostics’.)  

No devices can connect to wi-fi

If the problem is with multiple devices, the router is likely the culprit. Start by checking the status of the lights on your router: the internet signal light (usually white or green) should be on and solid. The wi-fi light should also be on and is generally blinking. No lights or red lights mean something is amiss. The first (and often best) fix for router issues is to restart/reboot it:

 

  1. Switch off your router and unplug the power cable.
  2. Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and switch it back on.
  3. The router may take several minutes to reboot. (Practice mindful patience!)
  4. When the router is back up and running, reboot your device and try to connect again. 

No internet access (or slow access) in certain rooms

Wi-fi uses radio waves to transmit information between the router and your device. These waves broadcast in all directions from the central device, so the more centralised the router placement in your coverage area, the better your reception will be. Higher is also better: a higher router means a wider broadcast and better overall coverage.

Wi-fi signals can easily pass through wood and drywall, but tiles, metal and concrete can interfere with messages getting through. While they’re running, microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones can also run interference.

If your home or office space is too big for one router to handle, or you know there are obstructions, you can extend your signal’s reach with a wireless repeater or mesh system.

Slow internet throughout your home or office

If your wi-fi speed is slow throughout your usage area, try plugging a laptop directly into your modem and test your internet speed using a provider such as speedtest.net.

 

  • If your speed is still slow: you may have a connection problem. Speak to your Internet Service Provider.
  • If your direct-connect speed is good: you may be competing with another router for the channel bandwidth. Try switching wi-fi channels.
  • If your direct-connect speed is good but switching wi-fi channels has no effect: your router may need an update. Try a factory reset and update the settings.
  • And if the factory reset and update had no effect? Your router might be dying, and upgrading may be the best option.

The network connects, but there’s no internet

We’ve said it before (just up above, actually!), and we’ll say it again: try resetting your router (and your modem if it’s a separate device) by unplugging it, waiting 60 seconds, and plugging it back in.

If your device is still in an internet-free zone, connect your laptop to the router directly to check where the problem lies. If there’s still no internet, you may have an outage, and it’s time to contact your ISP.

Still can’t connect? Call the Geelong technology specialists

If the standard fixes above aren’t working and you think there’s something more serious going on, don’t waste your time tearing your hair out – give the experts at Geelong Technology Group a call. (Then take your laptop down to your local café!).

Having a professional IT technician from Geelong Technology Group come into your home or office to assess your wi-fi issues, check for problems and make suggestions for improvements could improve your wi-fi coverage and performance significantly.

Get in contact via phone or email, or drop by our specialised service centre to chat in person:

 

☎️ 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

📧 support@geelongtechnology.com.au

166 Francis St, Belmont

VoIP Features
By admin IT Support • 0 Comments

Top five VoIP features for SMBs and SMEs

When it comes to up-to-the-minute business operations, connectivity is key. Your customers need to be able to find out about you (Hello, great website!), but they also need to be able to contact you. And this is where a great phone system comes in.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a phone technology that allows your business to receive and make phone calls using the internet (instead of over traditional fixed lines). As well as being incredibly cost-effective, it also comes with a side-serve of great features to boost your business connectivity, productivity and growth.

VoIP features: Find me, Follow me

With VoIP, you don’t need to be sitting at your office desk, waiting for the phone to ring. You can be … anywhere in the world! As long as you’ve got internet access and your laptop, tablet or phone, VoIP calls can reach you.

 

With the ‘Find me, Follow me’ dual application, your VoIP call-forwarding software will automatically try one number after another to track you down until you answer the call (or your voicemail kicks in). The beauty of this system is that the call routes from a single virtual number, connecting wherever you need it, while leaving your own private numbers, well, private.

VoIP features: automated attendant

Give your front desk staff some of their time back with an auto-attendant! Rather than an actual person answering and transferring call after call, an automated attendant acts in their stead, forwarding calls to the correct department or staff member. This virtual-receptionist feature also means your incoming caller only has to explain why they’re calling once – directly to the person they need to speak to.

VoIP features: hold music

We know, we know – hold music is the pits! But did you know that researchers have shown that more than 50% of callers will hang up in less than a minute if they’re showered with silence, compared to little more than 10% who are subjected to hold music? Leads hanging up and going elsewhere is not what you want, so remember that a little ditty can go a long way.

VoIP features: call reporting

Yes, you read that right – real-time call reporting. This is the kind of data that’s worth its weight in gold dust. Call analytics can provide a slew of data ready to be harnessed for the good of your company (and your customers). When are you busiest? Are there times when call waits are just too long? Are the bulk of your calls coming from one area (possibly indicating that your marketing in that region is hitting the spot or that you need to start marketing in other neighbourhoods)? This kind of business data can inform major company decisions – with facts rather than hunches or assumptions.

VoIP features: Voicemail transcription to email

Listening to voicemail after voicemail is tedious work. After all, there’s no way to check on the priority of each call without actually listening to the caller speak. Who should you call back first: the first caller or the fifteenth?

 

VoIP voicemail to email provides an emailed transcript of each phone message, meaning you can quickly glance through your messages to rank their importance without listening to them word by word. This one is a definite win for productivity!

Looking for Geelong VoIP solutions?

Geelong Technology Group are the experts in providing VoIP services and local support to businesses in Geelong, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Torquay, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac and Warrnambool.

If you’re looking to upgrade from an old phone system or scale an existing comms package – we can help. Our specialist team can provide a customised VoIP solution that delivers a business-ready communications environment that meets your company’s needs at a cost-effective price. You can even contact us today for a FREE consultation. So what are you waiting for?

desk set up
By admin IT Support • 0 Comments

Ergonomics and productivity: How your desk set-up effects your work

Imagine a place where you’re going to spend somewhere in the order of 1440 hours (or more) a year. You’d want those hours to be comfortable, right? And not too detrimental to your health? 

 

Welcome to … your desk set-up!

 

Yes – if you’re a desk-jockey of any stripe, you’re more than likely to spend more than a thousand hours a year sitting (or possibly standing) at this small piece of real estate. So, what can you do to make those hours comfortable and productive?

Key workspace ergonomics

When it comes to your desk set-up, there are a few key areas that you need to get right to ensure your health and well-being: your chair, your desk height, your monitor height, the ease to which you have access to your tools of the trade, and your lighting. You may not notice these things in isolation, but an uncomfortable chair, a messy desk or glare on your computer screen can wear you down over time.

Ergonomic tips and hints for your desk set-up

Every individual is going to have different needs when it comes to their workspace, but there are some key things to hone in on:

 

  • Adjust your chair and desk height so your forearms and thighs are roughly parallel to the floor, with your feet flat.
  • Position your monitor 40 to 75cm away, and ensure the top of the monitor is level with, or slightly below, your eye level.
  • If possible, aim to spend at least some of your day standing – preferably at an adjustable or dedicated standing desk. (Sitting, after all, is the new smoking.)
  • If you do have to sit – and we probably all have to at some point! – invest in a chair that provides good lumbar support and that adjusts to meet your seat depth, chair height and recline-ability requirements.
  • Place your mouse and keyboard close enough to your body that you’re not reaching for them (elbows by your sides, people!), and type with your wrists flat or angled downwards.
  • Keep bric-a-brac, personal memorabilia, tchotchkes, curios, ornaments, bibelots and whatnot to a minimum. (A cluttered desk = a cluttered mind!) Store things you need daily (a pen, notebook or water bottle, for instance) within reach and everything else off your desk.
  • Aim for natural light whenever possible (it improves mood, focus and sleep!), but ensure your monitor is not reflecting the sun’s glare.
  • Invest in some foliage plants – biophilia is big right now, and with good reason – indoor plants have been shown to boost productivity by as much as 15%.

Ergonomic computer equipment to meet your desk set-up needs

 

If your monitor is small and outdated – or you need a second monitor to boost your workplace productivity, the dedicated Geelong Technology Group sales team are standing by to help. We can also advise on the best desktop computer to meet your needs or assist with comfort-boosting accessories such as wrist rests, ergonomic keyboards, or rollerball or trackball mice.

 

Servicing Geelong and its surroundings, including Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Torquay, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac and Warrnambool, the experts at GTG are looking forward to providing comfortable solutions to help out with the next 1440 hours of your working life!

 

Give us a call or drop by our specialised service centre and showroom to chat in person:

 

📞 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

📧 support@geelongtechnology.com.au

📍 166 Francis St, Belmont

Microsoft 365 on Laptop
By admin IT Support • 0 Comments

Five Incredible Microsoft 365 Tips and Tricks

So, you’re just making the leap to Microsoft 365 from Office 2013? Or you’ve been using the 365 suite for a while now but know you’re not getting everything out of it that you could? Let’s take a look at some handy hints to help you get the most out of your subscription:

1. Access free stock images in Microsoft 365

Yes! You read that right – free! In Word, Excel and PowerPoint, you can access a veritable treasure trove of images (along with stickers, cartoon people, illustrations and icons) at the click of a button (or two!). Simply head to Insert > Pictures > Stock Images and use the tabs to click through the media options.

2. Use ‘search’ to find functions instantly

Skip the menu bar and discover the function or command you need by typing a few letters into the ‘magnifying glass’ search box. For instance, start typing ‘wor’ in Word and your ‘Best Action’ will be Word Count. But just in case you were looking for ‘Insert WordArt’ – that will be an option, too. In Excel, start typing ‘fil’ and you’ll be able to instantly add or remove filters. Keep going to ‘fill’ and you’ll have fill colours available. Every function you need is there at your fingertips!

3. Speed up your standard-text emails with Quick Parts

If you find yourself typing the same text into every second email, you’ll love this one! To create a ‘Quick Part’, highlight the text in an email you want to use next time (and the time after that!) and then, via the Insert menu, click ‘Quick Parts’ and ‘Save Quick Part’. The next time you want to add that saved text, just use the same menu and insert your saved Quick Part. No more typing out directions to the office 20 times a day!

4. Freak out less with a ‘Focused Inbox’ 

Streamline your email handling by making full use of Outlook’s ‘Focused’ and ‘Other’ folders. Keep actionable items at the top of your to-do list in your Focused folder, while backburner messages are easily accessible in ‘Other’, without cluttering up a busy day. And if something in ‘Other’ suddenly becomes a top priority? Just right-click the message and select ‘Move to Focused’ (or vice versa back to ‘Other’).

5. Leverage the power of OneNote

OneNote is a digital note-taking application. It allows you to store links, save photos and drawings, brainstorm with colleagues and, if you’re using a device with touch capability, write or draw directly onto your note pages. Furthermore, because it automatically syncs your notes to the cloud, you can use it on any device, anywhere. Essentially, imagine a bookcase full of notebooks, all of them with unlimited (and endlessly customisable) pages that you can instantly access and that you can also allow others to access wherever they happen to be in the world. Possibilities galore!

Take your IT support to the next level

Geelong Technology Group has got great tips and hints for all sorts of tech – from upgrading your software to buying new hardware to business server and networking solutions. Whatever your IT requirements, we’re here to help.

Contact us on ☎ 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) for more information, or drop by 166 Francis St, Belmont, to view our range of Windows and Apple products and to chat with our friendly team. 

Microsoft Office 2013 End of Life – what you need to know
By admin IT Support • 0 Comments

Microsoft Office 2013 End of Life – what you need to know

Still comfortably using Office 2013? It’s time to upgrade, we’re afraid!

Support for Office 2013 will end on 11 April 2023. Less than six months away! And, just in case you were hoping for a stay of execution, Microsoft Support has stated: ‘there will be no extension and no extended security updates.’ But what does this mean for the Office 2013 individual or business user on the ground?

What does ‘end of life’ actually entail?

Most Microsoft products have a support lifecycle that lasts for a fixed number of years. Office 2013 users have now had five years of Mainstream Support, followed by close to five years of Extended Support. When this support concludes in April next year, Microsoft will no longer provide:

 

  • phone or chat technical support for user difficulties
  • security fixes for identified vulnerabilities
  • bug fixes or updates for software issues. 

 

After the EoL date, people running Microsoft Office 2013 will still be able to access and use the software, but there will be no further updates or security patches. Continued use of the software without this technical support may lead to performance or reliability issues (with the possibility of increased downtime) and increase the likelihood of security breaches by cybercriminals.

Upgrade options for Office 2013 users

With the increased risk of data security breaches, we highly recommend you upgrade Office. Microsoft offers the choice of on-premises or cloud-based upgrades:

 

  • Office 2021 is an on-premises, one-time purchase home or business solution tailored for PC or Mac. This option includes Microsoft support free for the first 60 days. If you’re just upgrading one or two computers, have no need for cloud storage, and just use the basic Office functions (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), you may prefer the Office 2021 option.
  • Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based suite that allows access to Office productivity apps via the cloud – making it easy to share and collaborate on documents and to work from whichever device you have available, whether that be PC, laptop, tablet or mobile. With 1TB of cloud storage, this option is Microsoft’s ‘future-proof’ upgrade, as you’ll always have access to the latest versions of Microsoft products and features as they’re released.

Benefits of upgrading from Office 2013

Just a reminder that upgrading from Microsoft Office 2013 is well worth your time and money. Updating your software will provide:

  • decreased IT costs (no custom fixes for end-of-life programs and the ability to scale up users with Microsoft 365 without setting up additional servers)
  • improved compliance (keep up-to-date with compliance regulations with the latest security patches)
  • stronger cybersecurity (those security patches will also help you defend against the newest cybersecurity threats).

Need a hand with your Microsoft Office migration?

If you’re an individual or business still using Microsoft Office 2013, it’s time to leap into the future (or at least the present!). Talk to Geelong’s IT specialists for more information or to assist you with the transition. Geelong Technology Group is a leading managed IT services provider and our team can simplify and facilitate the migration process – kickstarting your business productivity, fueled by the full benefits of up-to-date software.

Proudly servicing Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, and surrounding regions, GTG is here to help. Give us a call today on 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) or stop by our showroom at 166 Francis St, Belmont.

reply chain email attacks
By admin Computer Security • • 0 Comments

What are reply chain email attacks?

Remember those chain letters you used to receive that promised untold wealth if you sent the required copies, and untold terror if you didn’t? Well, other than being similarly aggravating, reply-chain email attacks aren’t at all like that!

A reply-chain email attack is a form of cyberattack that involves a phishing email tucked inside an ongoing email conversation (your ‘reply chain’). While typical phishing attacks attempt to parody a sender with a forged address, this more sophisticated attack hijacks a legitimate email correspondence chain and inserts a phishing email into the existing email conversation.

How do email reply chain cyber attacks work?

This technique, also known as ‘reply-chain phishing’ or ‘thread hijack spamming’, begins with hackers (using various methods) gaining access to one or more email accounts within an organisation. Once they’re ‘in’, cybercriminals can begin monitoring conversation threads for opportunities to infiltrate ongoing chains of conversation with ransomware/malware or links to a form to steal more login credentials.

Why are reply chain attacks so dangerous?

This sophisticated form of cyberattack works particularly well because:

  • The attacker can read a conversation trail and more convincingly pose as a member of the email chain, referencing items in the discussion and calling others by name.
  • The reply in the thread comes from a colleague’s email address – likely a co-worker that the email recipients know and trust, and who has previously been participating in the email conversation. 
  • Employees are not expecting malicious activity embedded in the middle of an ongoing discussion; their normal ‘phishing radar’ is not necessarily operative.  

How can you protect against reply chain phishing?

Best practice?

Firstly, ensure there is no re-use of passwords within your business. All accounts should have unique (strong!) passwords and should ideally be backed by multi-factor authentication. 

Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, your employees need to be brought up to cyber-secure speed with regular, ongoing awareness training. Your staff should be trained to treat any email – even those within ongoing chains – with caution, particularly if they’re furnished with links or attachments. Your security training can also include the mandated use of other internal communication platforms – such as Slack or Microsoft Teams – to check the legitimacy of any emails that seem suspect.

How strong are your email account protections?

Remember, it can take businesses months or even years to recover from a successful cyberattack. You do not want your business to become a phishing statistic! If you’re not 100% certain that you have enough protection in place on your business email accounts to prevent a breach, please give us a call! Geelong Technology Group can provide email cybersecurity solutions that can keep you – and your sensitive business data – better protected.

Give us a call to find out more on 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) or stop by our showroom at 166 Francis St, Belmont.

managed IT services
By admin IT Support • 0 Comments

Starting a new business 101

Let’s for a moment assume you have the business idea (the kind of idea that comes along once in a lifetime). You’ve done your market research and chosen a business model. You’re ready for the going-solo responsibility and you’ve transcended the existential fear. Essentially, you’ve just about got all your ducks in a row to become an SMB owner. But what now? What tasks need to be ticked off to ensure not only that your business is a success, but also that it will be ready to run smoothly from the get-go?

 

Note: It’s important to clarify that there is no one-size-fits-all model for starting a new business, but the following steps will help to organise your ideas and iron out important details.

1. Write your business plan

There are 1000s of books and websites that will help you construct a business plan, but know that this is not a step you want to miss. A strong business plan sets out what you want to achieve and how you’re going to achieve it. Your business plan should address the problem(s) your business solves, your target audience(s), SWOT analysis and a financial plan. In writing your business plan, you should also choose your business structure – whether you’re planning on being a sole trader, a company, a partnership etc.

2. Choose a business name and register your business

Your business name is important! If you choose well, your business name will quickly identify who you are, what you do, and the image that you’re communicating, as well as help your customers find you online. The very best names are descriptive, different, short and snappy – not necessarily an easy recipe – but worth taking the time over.

 

Once you’ve chosen your name, you’ll need to register it (unless your business name is the same as your own name). You’ll also need to apply for an ABN. Depending on the nature of your business, you may also need to attend to tax registration, look into any licences or permits (such as a restaurant or café licence, for instance, or a licence to discharge trade waste) and possibly protect your business name with a trade mark.

3. Prepare your business finances

This will include setting up a business bank account, applying for financing or grants, and securing investors (if necessary). It will also involve learning how to organise your finances – managing your cash flow, your budget, your payments and invoices. It may help to secure the services of a bookkeeper or to invest in an accounting software package.

4. Purchase your business hardware and software

This is (what we consider!) the fun part. Whether you’re starting small, or hitting the ground huge, you’re going to need some tech. Purchasing the right equipment for your needs now – and with an eye toward future growth – is imperative. From desktops, printers and landline phones for the office, to laptops, tablets and mobiles for out-and-about business, you’ll want your tech investments to work smart for your company.

 

Other IT options to consider when starting a business include how you’ll access the internet, networking capabilities, cloud storage and cybersecurity solutions. Geelong Technology Group can help you with these – we even offer managed IT services!

5. Sort out your business admin

Starting a business is no small feat, and just as it takes a village to raise a child, so too it can take some outsourcing to raise and support a successful SMB. Beyond items that you’ll need to organise – such as business insurance – some business administration items that you can consider sending out-of-house (but still tethered firmly as part of your ‘team’) include managed IT services, accounting, and digital marketing and promotion.

Contact Geelong Technology Group for all your new business IT needs

As Geelong’s best business IT support company, we’re here to help seed and grow your business! We can advise you on the best tech to suit your requirements. We can build the best IT network solution for your situation. And we can provide ongoing support in the form of managed IT services and cybersecurity monitoring. 

 

Servicing Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and surrounding regions, GTG are your business IT specialists: contact our experienced team on ☎ 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) or email support@geelongtechnology.com.au and let’s get working together!

laptop battery
By admin Productivity 0 Comments

How to increase laptop battery life: five battery-saving tips

You’re at the café. You’ve got your coffee. And your muffin. You’re ready to work! But then you open your laptop and… your battery is almost dead. This time you might need to be that person, with your cord snaking between chair legs. But follow these high-yield, low-effort hacks and you’ll not only have tip-top power for your next café visit, but you’ll also be extending the overall life of your laptop battery. 

Avoid 0%

If possible, avoid draining your battery below a 20% charge. As long as your laptop is running on a lithium-ion battery (which most modern laptops do), it’s best practice to charge before your battery is completely drained. This hack will extend the life of your battery, as usage with a low charge puts a strain on the battery itself, and eventually reduces its charging capacity.

Takeaway: plug your laptop in while there is still some juice left.

Use power saver mode

When your laptop is unplugged, switching to battery saver mode will reduce the display brightness, prevent some background downloads/syncing and suspend most background apps. Unless you’re completing tasks that require a lot of battery power (editing videos, for example), you shouldn’t notice too much difference in overall performance. You can also tweak your settings manually to meet your needs – search for ‘Power Options’ on Windows machines and ‘Energy Saver’ if you are using macOS.

Takeaway: know your energy-saving options and use them when appropriate.

Streamline your workflow

Think of your laptop like a house, leaving six or seven apps open when you’re not using them is like leaving that many lights on in empty rooms. Try to minimise your open applications to just one or two – and check in Task Manager that you don’t have apps running unnecessarily in the background. If you don’t need the connectivity, disabling wi-fi and/or Bluetooth will reduce your power usage even more.

Takeaway: close unused apps and use Airplane mode if possible.

Ensure airflow and avoid overheating

Despite the name, laptops are designed to be used on a hard surface – this ensures airflow for the vents that pull in cool air and expel warm air, keeping your machine at an even temperature. Heat is the enemy of your device – affecting not only short-term life, but also longer-term battery health. Avoid placing your laptop in locations prone to heating up; don’t leave it in the car, for instance, or in direct sunlight.

Takeaway: Aim for cool environs and keep your laptop off your lap!

Stay up to date

Updating your operating system has all sorts of benefits – not the least is that patches and upgrades can help programs run more efficiently, conserving battery power. It’s best to schedule these processes only when you’re plugged in, though, as software updates can quickly suck battery life.

Takeaway: Don’t ignore software update notifications; do update software when plugged in.

Contact Geelong’s laptop repair and sales specialists

The strategies outlined will help you make the most of the battery you have. However, if you’re concerned about the health of your laptop battery, or you’re in the market for a new laptop, the team at Geelong Technology Group are here to help. We are experienced in laptop evaluations and repairs for both Windows and Apple machines, and we’re committed to providing the best customer service when it comes to sales.

 

Give us a call or drop by our specialised service center and showroom to chat in person:

 

📞 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

📧 support@geelongtechnology.com.au

📍 166 Francis St, Belmont

cybersecurity awareness training
By admin Computer Security • 0 Comments

Cybersecurity awareness training: how often is often enough?

You’ve finally put together a gun team. Everyone is firing on all cylinders, despite the stress and upheavals of the past few years. The very last thing you need is one of your employees falling for a phishing attack that results in a costly ransomware infection. But how often should you be implementing cybersecurity awareness and phishing training? Is there a golden training window that will keep your staff alert but not alarmed?

Phishing training every four months

Research has shown that the cybersecurity training sweet spot is once every four months. Any sooner and you’ll be rehashing information that your staff already know – a loss of efficiency. Too much later and the ability to detect phishing emails, mastered through initial training, begins to wane – a possible loss of much more.

Why ongoing cybersecurity training is important

Looking at cybersecurity training as a set-and-forget option is no option at all. As we noted in our recent blog about the possible cybersecurity mistakes businesses can make, developing a sustainable company culture of good cybersecurity is one of the strongest ways to protect your business assets and data. A good employee training program that focuses on everyday ‘cyber hygiene’ will instil confidence in your staff that they know what to look for and what your company’s cybersecurity protocols and procedures require. Well-trained employees significantly reduce a company’s risk – and routine training reinforcement will reduce that risk even more. Regular training is also good for staff morale and mental health: more knowledge = individual empowerment = a lower likelihood of making mistakes = less stress.

Effective cybersecurity training

Successful cybersecurity training will target your employee’s habits and behaviours, creating a sense of accountability and ensuring they make the right decision when it comes to protecting sensitive corporate information and assets. No longer just your employees, cyber-aware staff members become your company’s first line of defence against cyberattacks. Effective training should include:

 

  • The various types of cybersecurity threats, particularly those that utilise social engineering as a means of bypassing tech-based defences
  • The significance of password security
  • Your company’s internet, email and social media policies
  • Your company’s policies on the protection of business data
  • Methods to not only identify threats but also to report them (the last thing you want is possible cybersecurity threats swept under the metaphorical rug)

Contact the Geelong cybersecurity specialists

Cybercriminals are getting smarter and sneakier every day – we may no longer fall for an email from a dispossessed African prince, but we may fail to look twice at a slightly odd request from the company CFO. Even the strongest security safeguards will fail if users are not cyber-aware, so now is the time to embed cyber-resilience throughout your organisation. 

 

Servicing Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and surrounding regions, Geelong Technology Group helps small and medium businesses succeed by supporting and managing their IT needs. Armed with the latest cybersecurity information, we can not only assist your business with security awareness, but we can also implement comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, ensuring your important business data is cyber secure.

Give us a call today to find out more on 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) or stop by our showroom at 166 Francis St, Belmont.