AnnouncementsOffice 365Security

Keep Your Tech Relevant: Are You Prepared for Microsoft End of Support Deadlines?

There are multiple Microsoft products reaching end of support in 2020. These versions are being retired and will no longer have technical support. We’ve previously talked about the end of support for the Windows 7 operating system and Windows Server 2008 on January 14, 2020. However, other products are also reaching end of support in 2020. On January 31, 2020, Internet Explorer 10 will be retired. If you're already upgrading to Windows 10 or using Microsoft Edge as your web browser, then you've taken the next step to upgrade from IE 10. Later, in October 2020, Microsoft Office 2010 is…
OTWAdmin
January 6, 2020
Security

Increase Your Network Security

Wireless networks are a gift to anyone seeking easy connectivity and a quick Wi-Fi connection. But don't forget that rushing through your network's setup can have security consequences later. Make sure you've addressed these areas, whether it's for your personal network at home or your business's, to improve your network security. Change your access point or router's default username and password. Default usernames and passwords for most hardware and software can easily be found online. Turn on encryption. All Wi-Fi devices support at least some type of encryption. Change your network's name or SSID from the default. A default name…
OTWAdmin
December 16, 2019
ConsultingInfrastructureLeadershipSecurity

5 Tips on Managing & Planning Your Technology in 2020

In the IT industry, there are always new projects and upgrades coming, plus new concerns and trends. What should you consider implementing in 2020? Here are our tips for what to keep in mind when managing your cybersecurity risks and planning for the future. #1 Is your Windows Software wanted dead or alive? Are you still running Windows 7 and/or Windows Server 2008? Are you on Windows 8, but not yet ready to step up to Windows 10 and the latest updates? Remember that both Windows 7 and Server 2008 hit end of life in January 2020. Windows 8 reached…
OTWAdmin
December 10, 2019
Tech Tip

How to Add a Background Image to a PowerPoint Slide

Let’s say that you want to add a full-size background image to one of your PowerPoint slides. Maybe you want to show off your photography or liven up the background behind your talking points. But how do you add the image as a background? Right click on the slide. From the menu, select Format Background. A sidebar will appear on the right. From the Format Background menu, select Picture or text fill. Then click Insert, choose From a File, and then open the image you want to set as the background. Adjust the Transparency if you want to lighten the…
OTWAdmin
December 2, 2019
Security

Ransomware Lessons for City Governments

U.S. towns and cities are being hit hard by ransomware and cyberattacks A city government's network is a prime target for hackers. Many small towns and cities don't have the tools, personnel, or budget to fight back. And when an attack is successful, who is to blame? Cities like Lake City, Florida have been in the news recently for falling victim to devastating ransomware attacks and the consequences afterwards. Lake City, Florida's computer network was devastated within hours. Their security and backup defenses were no match for expert hackers and sophisticated spear phishing campaigns. Their budget never extended to cover…
OTWAdmin
November 11, 2019
Tech Tip

Create Rules to Automatically Sort Incoming Mail in Outlook

When you receive a lot of email, your inbox becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate. Thankfully, you can use create Rules in Outlook to sort your incoming email. Here are the steps to set up a rule in Outlook that will automatically put incoming mail from a particular sender into a specific folder: Select an email in your Inbox from the sender you’d like to create a new folder for. Go to Rules > Create Rule on the toolbar. Check the “From…” box at the top of the Create Rule window. Check “Move the item to folder:” at the bottom…
OTWAdmin
November 4, 2019
AnnouncementsSecurity

Upgrade from Windows 7 to Remain Secure and Stable

It’s still coming whether we like it or not: Windows 7 End of Life. If your organization is still running Windows 7, what can you expect? Is this truly the end of Windows 7, and should you upgrade? The answer, realistically, is yes. It’s a smart move to upgrade now, for security and stability. Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in 2015. Extended support ends on January 14, 2020. Windows 7 is now end-of-life. It will not be supported, nor will it receive regular patches and security updates. What's the risk of not upgrading? Failing to upgrade to supported software,…
OTWAdmin
October 14, 2019