Tech Advisory

Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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Is your business continuity plan built to fail? Watch for these pitfalls

Editor November 3, 2025

Unexpected events such as natural disasters, hardware failures, or cyberattacks can quickly upend your operations. While a well-built business continuity plan (BCP) can minimize those risks, that’s only if it’s properly developed and maintained. But too often, businesses forget crucial details that can undercut their crisis response.

Below are the top pitfalls businesses face when crafting their continuity strategies, along with practical ways to avoid them:

Skipping a thorough risk review

Business owners tend to zero in on one or two risks, such as cyberattacks, while overlooking others, including severe weather, supply chain disruptions, or staffing shortages. These oversights can leave their BCPs unprepared, making their operations vulnerable. To prevent this, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that identifies all potential threats and their impact on your business.

Failing to prepare the team

Your business continuity plan is only effective if employees know how to carry it out. That said, a smooth response during a crisis depends on everyone understanding their roles. Through regular training sessions, walkthroughs, and drills, you can reinforce that understanding and build the confidence to act under pressure.

Not testing the plan in realistic scenarios

Businesses often create a BCP and set it aside, assuming it will work as intended during a disruption. However, unless you test it with realistic simulations or mock incidents, there’s no way to know how well it will actually hold up. That’s why routine testing is vital; it helps reveal gaps, refine processes, and confirm the plan’s feasibility.

Underestimating your tech reliance

Technology drives nearly every part of modern business, from internal communication and sales to logistics and customer service. However, many organizations overlook just how dependent they are on specific systems, software, or data. Failing to account for this reliance can leave you unprepared when an important platform goes down.

You can avoid this by identifying your mission-critical systems and putting clear contingency plans in place. Whether it’s a data backup platform, a manual workaround, or a preconfigured recovery setup, document your measures in your BCP.

Poor communication planning

In the event of an emergency, effective communication is key to executing a strong response. Without a clear strategy for keeping staff, vendors, customers, and stakeholders informed, confusion can spread quickly. Thus, to keep everyone on the same page, define a communication chain and prepare reliable channels, such as group messaging platforms, SMS alerts, automated call trees, or dedicated emergency apps.

Ignoring your supply chain

Suppliers and vendors are vital to your operations, yet they’re often left out of business continuity planning. This oversight can have serious financial consequences. Consider a manufacturer that relies on a single supplier for a critical part. If that supplier goes offline, that production line grinds to a halt, resulting in missed deadlines and lost revenue.

You can reduce such risks by including suppliers in your continuity strategy. That means establishing clear communication protocols for disruptions, understanding each partner’s recovery timeline, and lining up backup vendors if necessary.

Relying too heavily on insurance

Insurance can support recovery after a disaster, but it won’t prevent operational disruptions or financial losses. Even more concerning, many businesses assume they’re fully covered, only to realize too late that their policies don’t cover key risks. To avoid surprises, review your policies regularly to ensure coverage aligns with how your business actually operates and the risks it faces.

Making the plan too complicated

When every second counts, simplicity matters. A business continuity plan full of jargon and complex flowcharts might seem comprehensive, but it’s useless if your team can’t understand it. Focus on clarity and ease of execution to ensure the plan works when it’s needed most.

Letting the plan get outdated

A business continuity plan that worked last year may no longer be effective. As your business evolves — with new systems, additional users, or expanded services — its needs change. On top of that, new threats can emerge at any time. Therefore, it’s important to revisit your BCP, especially after major organizational or environmental changes, to make sure it still addresses your new risks and priorities.

A business continuity plan is your company’s lifeline during uncertain times, but even small mistakes can weaken it. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you create a plan that’s not only comprehensive but truly reliable when it matters most.

If you’re unsure where to start or how to strengthen your business continuity plan, our experts are here to help.

The top errors that can sabotage your business continuity strategy

Editor November 3, 2025

Treating a business continuity plan (BCP) as a mere formality is risky. After all, it’s the blueprint for keeping your operations up and running during a disruption. Yet, even well-documented plans can fail if they rely on faulty assumptions or neglect essential components.

Below are the top pitfalls businesses face when crafting their continuity strategies, along with practical ways to avoid them:

Skipping a thorough risk review

Business owners tend to zero in on one or two risks, such as cyberattacks, while overlooking others, including severe weather, supply chain disruptions, or staffing shortages. These oversights can leave their BCPs unprepared, making their operations vulnerable. To prevent this, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that identifies all potential threats and their impact on your business.

Failing to prepare the team

Your business continuity plan is only effective if employees know how to carry it out. That said, a smooth response during a crisis depends on everyone understanding their roles. Through regular training sessions, walkthroughs, and drills, you can reinforce that understanding and build the confidence to act under pressure.

Not testing the plan in realistic scenarios

Businesses often create a BCP and set it aside, assuming it will work as intended during a disruption. However, unless you test it with realistic simulations or mock incidents, there’s no way to know how well it will actually hold up. That’s why routine testing is vital; it helps reveal gaps, refine processes, and confirm the plan’s feasibility.

Underestimating your tech reliance

Technology drives nearly every part of modern business, from internal communication and sales to logistics and customer service. However, many organizations overlook just how dependent they are on specific systems, software, or data. Failing to account for this reliance can leave you unprepared when an important platform goes down.

You can avoid this by identifying your mission-critical systems and putting clear contingency plans in place. Whether it’s a data backup platform, a manual workaround, or a preconfigured recovery setup, document your measures in your BCP.

Poor communication planning

In the event of an emergency, effective communication is key to executing a strong response. Without a clear strategy for keeping staff, vendors, customers, and stakeholders informed, confusion can spread quickly. Thus, to keep everyone on the same page, define a communication chain and prepare reliable channels, such as group messaging platforms, SMS alerts, automated call trees, or dedicated emergency apps.

Ignoring your supply chain

Suppliers and vendors are vital to your operations, yet they’re often left out of business continuity planning. This oversight can have serious financial consequences. Consider a manufacturer that relies on a single supplier for a critical part. If that supplier goes offline, that production line grinds to a halt, resulting in missed deadlines and lost revenue.

You can reduce such risks by including suppliers in your continuity strategy. That means establishing clear communication protocols for disruptions, understanding each partner’s recovery timeline, and lining up backup vendors if necessary.

Relying too heavily on insurance

Insurance can support recovery after a disaster, but it won’t prevent operational disruptions or financial losses. Even more concerning, many businesses assume they’re fully covered, only to realize too late that their policies don’t cover key risks. To avoid surprises, review your policies regularly to ensure coverage aligns with how your business actually operates and the risks it faces.

Making the plan too complicated

When every second counts, simplicity matters. A business continuity plan full of jargon and complex flowcharts might seem comprehensive, but it’s useless if your team can’t understand it. Focus on clarity and ease of execution to ensure the plan works when it’s needed most.

Letting the plan get outdated

A business continuity plan that worked last year may no longer be effective. As your business evolves — with new systems, additional users, or expanded services — its needs change. On top of that, new threats can emerge at any time. Therefore, it’s important to revisit your BCP, especially after major organizational or environmental changes, to make sure it still addresses your new risks and priorities.

A business continuity plan is your company’s lifeline during uncertain times, but even small mistakes can weaken it. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you create a plan that’s not only comprehensive but truly reliable when it matters most.

If you’re unsure where to start or how to strengthen your business continuity plan, our experts are here to help.

Avoid these business continuity mistakes before it’s too late

Editor November 3, 2025

Unexpected disruptions, such as natural disasters and cyberattacks, can knock your business off course. Thus, it’s critical to develop a strong business continuity plan (BCP), but having one isn’t enough. How you create, maintain, and execute it is just as important. Unfortunately, many businesses make avoidable mistakes during the planning process that leave them vulnerable in a crisis.

Below are the top pitfalls businesses face when crafting their continuity strategies, along with practical ways to avoid them:

Skipping a thorough risk review

Business owners tend to zero in on one or two risks, such as cyberattacks, while overlooking others, including severe weather, supply chain disruptions, or staffing shortages. These oversights can leave their BCPs unprepared, making their operations vulnerable. To prevent this, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment that identifies all potential threats and their impact on your business.

Failing to prepare the team

Your business continuity plan is only effective if employees know how to carry it out. That said, a smooth response during a crisis depends on everyone understanding their roles. Through regular training sessions, walkthroughs, and drills, you can reinforce that understanding and build the confidence to act under pressure.

Not testing the plan in realistic scenarios

Businesses often create a BCP and set it aside, assuming it will work as intended during a disruption. However, unless you test it with realistic simulations or mock incidents, there’s no way to know how well it will actually hold up. That’s why routine testing is vital; it helps reveal gaps, refine processes, and confirm the plan’s feasibility.

Underestimating your tech reliance

Technology drives nearly every part of modern business, from internal communication and sales to logistics and customer service. However, many organizations overlook just how dependent they are on specific systems, software, or data. Failing to account for this reliance can leave you unprepared when an important platform goes down.

You can avoid this by identifying your mission-critical systems and putting clear contingency plans in place. Whether it’s a data backup platform, a manual workaround, or a preconfigured recovery setup, document your measures in your BCP.

Poor communication planning

In the event of an emergency, effective communication is key to executing a strong response. Without a clear strategy for keeping staff, vendors, customers, and stakeholders informed, confusion can spread quickly. Thus, to keep everyone on the same page, define a communication chain and prepare reliable channels, such as group messaging platforms, SMS alerts, automated call trees, or dedicated emergency apps.

Ignoring your supply chain

Suppliers and vendors are vital to your operations, yet they’re often left out of business continuity planning. This oversight can have serious financial consequences. Consider a manufacturer that relies on a single supplier for a critical part. If that supplier goes offline, that production line grinds to a halt, resulting in missed deadlines and lost revenue.

You can reduce such risks by including suppliers in your continuity strategy. That means establishing clear communication protocols for disruptions, understanding each partner’s recovery timeline, and lining up backup vendors if necessary.

Relying too heavily on insurance

Insurance can support recovery after a disaster, but it won’t prevent operational disruptions or financial losses. Even more concerning, many businesses assume they’re fully covered, only to realize too late that their policies don’t cover key risks. To avoid surprises, review your policies regularly to ensure coverage aligns with how your business actually operates and the risks it faces.

Making the plan too complicated

When every second counts, simplicity matters. A business continuity plan full of jargon and complex flowcharts might seem comprehensive, but it’s useless if your team can’t understand it. Focus on clarity and ease of execution to ensure the plan works when it’s needed most.

Letting the plan get outdated

A business continuity plan that worked last year may no longer be effective. As your business evolves — with new systems, additional users, or expanded services — its needs change. On top of that, new threats can emerge at any time. Therefore, it’s important to revisit your BCP, especially after major organizational or environmental changes, to make sure it still addresses your new risks and priorities.

A business continuity plan is your company’s lifeline during uncertain times, but even small mistakes can weaken it. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you create a plan that’s not only comprehensive but truly reliable when it matters most.

If you’re unsure where to start or how to strengthen your business continuity plan, our experts are here to help.

Are you still solely relying on passwords? It’s time for an upgrade

Editor October 31, 2025

Passwords have historically served as the primary defense for online accounts, but they’re no longer effective on their own. With the rise of evolving threats and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, experts recommend fortifying your logins with additional authentication methods.

Why your security strategy must go beyond passwords

Cybersecurity experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) now warn that passwords are fundamentally vulnerable and should be avoided whenever possible. Even the strongest password can be compromised in two common ways:

  • Phishing: Cybercriminals deploy deceptive tactics, luring users into revealing their credentials through fake login links designed to mimic legitimate sites. Once a user enters their information, the attacker captures it, rendering the password’s strength irrelevant.
  • Offline attacks: These attacks involve cybercriminals stealing encrypted password databases during a data breach. They then leverage powerful computers to run automated password-cracking programs offline. A modern PC can attempt up to 100 billion guesses per second, meaning an eight-character password with a capital letter, a number, and a symbol can be deciphered almost instantly.

Given these threats, your focus must shift from creating better passwords to implementing additional security measures.

Your new security hierarchy for 2025 and beyond

To truly secure your accounts, follow this modern hierarchy of defense recommended by cybersecurity experts.

Priority #1: Activate passkeys (the password replacement)

The biggest change in digital security is the move to passkeys, a safer alternative to passwords. Passkeys store a private digital key on your phone or laptop. You can log in to your accounts by verifying your device with a PIN or fingerprint.

Passkeys are phishing-resistant; you can’t be tricked into typing a passkey on a fake website. They’re also unique to every site, so a data breach at one company won’t expose your other accounts.

Action step: Check your account settings for “Security” or “Login Options” and select Create a Passkey wherever available.

Priority #2: Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)

For any account that doesn’t support passkeys, enabling MFA is a critical step you can take to secure it.

MFA adds another layer of protection beyond just your password. It asks for another verification factor, which can be something you have (e.g., your phone) or something you are (e.g., your fingerprint). That way, even if a cybercriminal gets your password, they still can’t access your account without completing the extra authentication step.

While many services use SMS codes for MFA, security experts at NIST warn that these can be intercepted. For better security, prioritize more robust methods, such as:

  • Authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator)
  • Physical security keys (e.g., USB dongles)
  • Push notifications sent from a trusted app on your device

Action step: Review the security settings of your key accounts (e.g., email, banking, and social media), and turn on MFA wherever possible.

Priority #3: Use a password manager

Many accounts still require traditional passwords. Since it’s impossible to remember a long, unique password for each one, use a password manager. This application generates and securely stores all your unique credentials, simplifying digital security by requiring you to remember only one master password to access them.

Action step: Install a reputable password manager, and let it create strong, unique passwords for your nonpasskey accounts.

What to do if you must create a password

If you need to create a password, NIST’s 2025 guidance is clear: length matters most. Aim for at least 15 characters.

NIST no longer recommends mandating special characters, numbers, or uppercase letters for password requirements. Although complexity contributes to password strength, length is far more effective. A 10-character complex password (e.g., Tr@ub4d0r!) is far weaker than a simple 20-character password.

The easiest way to create a long, memorable password is to string together several unrelated words. A passphrase such as “cassettelavababyriver” is 21 characters long, which is easy for you to remember but would take a long time for a computer to crack.

To keep up with the latest cybersecurity practices and IT trends, connect with our IT professionals today.

Beyond passwords: Smarter ways to protect your online accounts

Editor October 31, 2025

Passwords have been a staple of online security for decades, but relying on them alone is no longer enough. Cybersecurity experts now emphasize the importance of adding layers of protection to defend against today’s more advanced threats.

Why your security strategy must go beyond passwords

Cybersecurity experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) now warn that passwords are fundamentally vulnerable and should be avoided whenever possible. Even the strongest password can be compromised in two common ways:

  • Phishing: Cybercriminals deploy deceptive tactics, luring users into revealing their credentials through fake login links designed to mimic legitimate sites. Once a user enters their information, the attacker captures it, rendering the password’s strength irrelevant.
  • Offline attacks: These attacks involve cybercriminals stealing encrypted password databases during a data breach. They then leverage powerful computers to run automated password-cracking programs offline. A modern PC can attempt up to 100 billion guesses per second, meaning an eight-character password with a capital letter, a number, and a symbol can be deciphered almost instantly.

Given these threats, your focus must shift from creating better passwords to implementing additional security measures.

Your new security hierarchy for 2025 and beyond

To truly secure your accounts, follow this modern hierarchy of defense recommended by cybersecurity experts.

Priority #1: Activate passkeys (the password replacement)

The biggest change in digital security is the move to passkeys, a safer alternative to passwords. Passkeys store a private digital key on your phone or laptop. You can log in to your accounts by verifying your device with a PIN or fingerprint.

Passkeys are phishing-resistant; you can’t be tricked into typing a passkey on a fake website. They’re also unique to every site, so a data breach at one company won’t expose your other accounts.

Action step: Check your account settings for “Security” or “Login Options” and select Create a Passkey wherever available.

Priority #2: Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)

For any account that doesn’t support passkeys, enabling MFA is a critical step you can take to secure it.

MFA adds another layer of protection beyond just your password. It asks for another verification factor, which can be something you have (e.g., your phone) or something you are (e.g., your fingerprint). That way, even if a cybercriminal gets your password, they still can’t access your account without completing the extra authentication step.

While many services use SMS codes for MFA, security experts at NIST warn that these can be intercepted. For better security, prioritize more robust methods, such as:

  • Authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator)
  • Physical security keys (e.g., USB dongles)
  • Push notifications sent from a trusted app on your device

Action step: Review the security settings of your key accounts (e.g., email, banking, and social media), and turn on MFA wherever possible.

Priority #3: Use a password manager

Many accounts still require traditional passwords. Since it’s impossible to remember a long, unique password for each one, use a password manager. This application generates and securely stores all your unique credentials, simplifying digital security by requiring you to remember only one master password to access them.

Action step: Install a reputable password manager, and let it create strong, unique passwords for your nonpasskey accounts.

What to do if you must create a password

If you need to create a password, NIST’s 2025 guidance is clear: length matters most. Aim for at least 15 characters.

NIST no longer recommends mandating special characters, numbers, or uppercase letters for password requirements. Although complexity contributes to password strength, length is far more effective. A 10-character complex password (e.g., Tr@ub4d0r!) is far weaker than a simple 20-character password.

The easiest way to create a long, memorable password is to string together several unrelated words. A passphrase such as “cassettelavababyriver” is 21 characters long, which is easy for you to remember but would take a long time for a computer to crack.

To keep up with the latest cybersecurity practices and IT trends, connect with our IT professionals today.

Why longer passwords aren’t enough — and what you should do instead

Editor October 31, 2025

Passwords were once the bedrock of digital security, but the tech landscape has evolved. As cyberthreats grow more sophisticated, relying on a strong password alone can no longer keep your online accounts safe.

Why your security strategy must go beyond passwords

Cybersecurity experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) now warn that passwords are fundamentally vulnerable and should be avoided whenever possible. Even the strongest password can be compromised in two common ways:

  • Phishing: Cybercriminals deploy deceptive tactics, luring users into revealing their credentials through fake login links designed to mimic legitimate sites. Once a user enters their information, the attacker captures it, rendering the password’s strength irrelevant.
  • Offline attacks: These attacks involve cybercriminals stealing encrypted password databases during a data breach. They then leverage powerful computers to run automated password-cracking programs offline. A modern PC can attempt up to 100 billion guesses per second, meaning an eight-character password with a capital letter, a number, and a symbol can be deciphered almost instantly.

Given these threats, your focus must shift from creating better passwords to implementing additional security measures.

Your new security hierarchy for 2025 and beyond

To truly secure your accounts, follow this modern hierarchy of defense recommended by cybersecurity experts.

Priority #1: Activate passkeys (the password replacement)

The biggest change in digital security is the move to passkeys, a safer alternative to passwords. Passkeys store a private digital key on your phone or laptop. You can log in to your accounts by verifying your device with a PIN or fingerprint.

Passkeys are phishing-resistant; you can’t be tricked into typing a passkey on a fake website. They’re also unique to every site, so a data breach at one company won’t expose your other accounts.

Action step: Check your account settings for “Security” or “Login Options” and select Create a Passkey wherever available.

Priority #2: Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)

For any account that doesn’t support passkeys, enabling MFA is a critical step you can take to secure it.

MFA adds another layer of protection beyond just your password. It asks for another verification factor, which can be something you have (e.g., your phone) or something you are (e.g., your fingerprint). That way, even if a cybercriminal gets your password, they still can’t access your account without completing the extra authentication step.

While many services use SMS codes for MFA, security experts at NIST warn that these can be intercepted. For better security, prioritize more robust methods, such as:

  • Authenticator apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator)
  • Physical security keys (e.g., USB dongles)
  • Push notifications sent from a trusted app on your device

Action step: Review the security settings of your key accounts (e.g., email, banking, and social media), and turn on MFA wherever possible.

Priority #3: Use a password manager

Many accounts still require traditional passwords. Since it’s impossible to remember a long, unique password for each one, use a password manager. This application generates and securely stores all your unique credentials, simplifying digital security by requiring you to remember only one master password to access them.

Action step: Install a reputable password manager, and let it create strong, unique passwords for your nonpasskey accounts.

What to do if you must create a password

If you need to create a password, NIST’s 2025 guidance is clear: length matters most. Aim for at least 15 characters.

NIST no longer recommends mandating special characters, numbers, or uppercase letters for password requirements. Although complexity contributes to password strength, length is far more effective. A 10-character complex password (e.g., Tr@ub4d0r!) is far weaker than a simple 20-character password.

The easiest way to create a long, memorable password is to string together several unrelated words. A passphrase such as “cassettelavababyriver” is 21 characters long, which is easy for you to remember but would take a long time for a computer to crack.

To keep up with the latest cybersecurity practices and IT trends, connect with our IT professionals today.

Don’t buy a new phone just yet: Try these easy Android speed hacks first

Editor October 29, 2025

Laggy apps, storage warnings, and slow response times don’t mean it’s time for a new phone. In this article, we’ll walk you through practical steps to revamp your Android and get it running like new without spending a dime.

1. Uninstall unused apps

Old apps often continue running quietly in the background and slow your phone down. Go through your app drawer and uninstall anything you haven’t touched in the last month or two. If you don’t recognize the app or forgot you had it, it’s time for it to go.

For many phone operating systems and models, long-pressing an app icon gives you the option to uninstall it directly. If not, jump into your settings or check your app manager to fully remove the software from your system.

2. Clean out those forgotten downloads

Your storage can fill up fast with leftover downloads, such as PDFs, memes, screenshots, or that random flyer you saved six months ago. Use your phone’s file manager (it might be called Files, My Files, File Manager, etc.) and check the Downloads folder.

From there, you can simply delete any unnecessary files, and back up anything you might want to keep to the cloud via Google Drive. Most file manager apps also show you the largest files taking space, and these are often the biggest culprits slowing things down.

3. Refresh your home screen

A few visual tweaks can re-energize your phone and make it feel new again. Try changing your app grid size (for example, from 4×5 to 5×5), hide app labels, or adjust what happens when you swipe down. Long-press any blank space on the home screen, tap “Home settings” (or something similar), and start experimenting. A few tweaks can make your setup cleaner and easier to use.

4. Tune up your settings

Sometimes, performance issues could be due to misconfigured settings. Try enabling battery-saving options such as dark mode or reducing screen brightness. You can also limit background processes and disable animations to speed things up.

Scroll through your Settings app and see how you can make it work for you, not against you. Even small tweaks such as stopping new app icons from automatically appearing on your home screen can make your phone feel less cluttered.

5. Review your privacy permissions

Access your phone’s Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager to look through the list of apps that are allowed to access your location, camera, microphone, and other sensitive data. If something seems unnecessary — such as a flashlight app that wants your location — deny access immediately. Fewer background processes mean a faster, more secure phone.

Don’t assume that lag equals death. Most of the time, a few cleanup tasks are all you need to restore your phone’s performance. Take 15 minutes to clear the clutter, revisit your settings, and get your Android running smoothly again. If you need more assistance figuring out your Android device, give us a call.

5 Simple fixes to renew your Android phone

Editor October 29, 2025

Your Android phone isn’t broken — it just needs a quick clean. Learn how to delete junk, tweak settings, and refresh your home screen to make your slow phone feel fast and responsive again with this quick cleanup guide.

1. Uninstall unused apps

Old apps often continue running quietly in the background and slow your phone down. Go through your app drawer and uninstall anything you haven’t touched in the last month or two. If you don’t recognize the app or forgot you had it, it’s time for it to go.

For many phone operating systems and models, long-pressing an app icon gives you the option to uninstall it directly. If not, jump into your settings or check your app manager to fully remove the software from your system.

2. Clean out those forgotten downloads

Your storage can fill up fast with leftover downloads, such as PDFs, memes, screenshots, or that random flyer you saved six months ago. Use your phone’s file manager (it might be called Files, My Files, File Manager, etc.) and check the Downloads folder.

From there, you can simply delete any unnecessary files, and back up anything you might want to keep to the cloud via Google Drive. Most file manager apps also show you the largest files taking space, and these are often the biggest culprits slowing things down.

3. Refresh your home screen

A few visual tweaks can re-energize your phone and make it feel new again. Try changing your app grid size (for example, from 4×5 to 5×5), hide app labels, or adjust what happens when you swipe down. Long-press any blank space on the home screen, tap “Home settings” (or something similar), and start experimenting. A few tweaks can make your setup cleaner and easier to use.

4. Tune up your settings

Sometimes, performance issues could be due to misconfigured settings. Try enabling battery-saving options such as dark mode or reducing screen brightness. You can also limit background processes and disable animations to speed things up.

Scroll through your Settings app and see how you can make it work for you, not against you. Even small tweaks such as stopping new app icons from automatically appearing on your home screen can make your phone feel less cluttered.

5. Review your privacy permissions

Access your phone’s Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager to look through the list of apps that are allowed to access your location, camera, microphone, and other sensitive data. If something seems unnecessary — such as a flashlight app that wants your location — deny access immediately. Fewer background processes mean a faster, more secure phone.

Don’t assume that lag equals death. Most of the time, a few cleanup tasks are all you need to restore your phone’s performance. Take 15 minutes to clear the clutter, revisit your settings, and get your Android running smoothly again. If you need more assistance figuring out your Android device, give us a call.

Speed up your slow Android phone in minutes — no apps needed

Editor October 29, 2025

Has your Android phone been slowing down to a crawl? Before spending money on a replacement, try these five simple, free fixes to boost performance, clear clutter, and breathe new life into your device.

1. Uninstall unused apps

Old apps often continue running quietly in the background and slow your phone down. Go through your app drawer and uninstall anything you haven’t touched in the last month or two. If you don’t recognize the app or forgot you had it, it’s time for it to go.

For many phone operating systems and models, long-pressing an app icon gives you the option to uninstall it directly. If not, jump into your settings or check your app manager to fully remove the software from your system.

2. Clean out those forgotten downloads

Your storage can fill up fast with leftover downloads, such as PDFs, memes, screenshots, or that random flyer you saved six months ago. Use your phone’s file manager (it might be called Files, My Files, File Manager, etc.) and check the Downloads folder.

From there, you can simply delete any unnecessary files, and back up anything you might want to keep to the cloud via Google Drive. Most file manager apps also show you the largest files taking space, and these are often the biggest culprits slowing things down.

3. Refresh your home screen

A few visual tweaks can re-energize your phone and make it feel new again. Try changing your app grid size (for example, from 4×5 to 5×5), hide app labels, or adjust what happens when you swipe down. Long-press any blank space on the home screen, tap “Home settings” (or something similar), and start experimenting. A few tweaks can make your setup cleaner and easier to use.

4. Tune up your settings

Sometimes, performance issues could be due to misconfigured settings. Try enabling battery-saving options such as dark mode or reducing screen brightness. You can also limit background processes and disable animations to speed things up.

Scroll through your Settings app and see how you can make it work for you, not against you. Even small tweaks such as stopping new app icons from automatically appearing on your home screen can make your phone feel less cluttered.

5. Review your privacy permissions

Access your phone’s Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager to look through the list of apps that are allowed to access your location, camera, microphone, and other sensitive data. If something seems unnecessary — such as a flashlight app that wants your location — deny access immediately. Fewer background processes mean a faster, more secure phone.

Don’t assume that lag equals death. Most of the time, a few cleanup tasks are all you need to restore your phone’s performance. Take 15 minutes to clear the clutter, revisit your settings, and get your Android running smoothly again. If you need more assistance figuring out your Android device, give us a call.

The new M5 MacBook Pro wows with faster performance and next-level capabilities

Editor October 27, 2025

Apple has taken the wraps off its latest 14-inch MacBook Pro, and if you thought the previous model was impressive, this one is here to up the game significantly. Thanks to the brand-new M5 chip, Apple’s new pro laptop isn’t just faster — it’s smarter too, with AI performance at the heart of its evolution.

M5: A chip built for the AI age

At the core of the newest release is the M5 chip, which delivers a huge boost in processing power, graphics performance, and machine learning capabilities. It’s up to 3.5 times faster for AI tasks compared to its M4 predecessor and features a next-generation Neural Engine and graphics processing unit. This enables users to run advanced AI models directly on their Mac, even without a cloud connection.

Whether you’re a videographer editing 8K videos, a student using AI apps to take notes, or a developer running thousands of lines of code, the M5 can handle it all.

A serious boost for everyday performance

The M5 chip isn’t just about AI. Compared to the M4, it boasts graphics that are up to 1.6 times faster, a more responsive CPU, and double the SSD writing and reading speed. Apple says you’ll notice the difference whether you’re importing massive Apple ProRes lossless video files, building apps in Xcode, or gaming with graphics-heavy titles.

Gamers will appreciate up to 3.2 times higher frame rates, while video editors get up to 7.7 times faster AI video enhancements. And with support for up to 4 TB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room for high-res projects and local AI models.

All-day power, anywhere

Battery life remains one of the MacBook Pro’s standout features, and this new model doesn’t disappoint. Apple claims up to 24 hours of usage on a single charge — that’s four more hours than the M1-based MacBook Pro and 14 more than Intel versions. Even better? You get the same performance whether the device is plugged into an outlet or running on its battery.

Designed for today’s workflows

This laptop features Apple’s stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, a 12MP Center Stage camera for video calls that automatically adjust lighting and focus, and an immersive sound system with six speakers and Spatial Audio support. It includes a full suite of ports and ships out with macOS Tahoe already installed, which introduces Live Activities, a redesigned Control Center, and tight integration with Apple Intelligence.

Sustainable and future-ready

For eco-conscious buyers, the new MacBook Pro checks all the right boxes. Crafted with sustainability in mind, the machine itself incorporates 45% recycled materials. Its packaging goes a step further, being entirely composed of recyclable, plant-derived materials such as paper, cardboard, and molded pulp. Plus, the device is designed to last for years with long-term software support and energy-efficient engineering.

The world of IT is rapidly evolving. If you want to keep pace with it, reach out to our team. We’re here to provide expert insights, device recommendations, and updates on the latest technology, including how AI-powered tools like the new MacBook Pro can improve your workflow.

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