Technology Advice for Small Businesses

Bye bye bloatware: Windows gives us Refresh

It started out being called ‘bloatware’ but as consumer’s patience wore thin it was eventually replaced with the title ‘crapware’. In short, it’s the software that manufacturers load onto new hardware before purchases in an attempt to drive customers to new products. And in most cases it’s totally superfluous and burdensome to your system. Since… Continue reading Bye bye bloatware: Windows gives us Refresh

Bloatware elimination in two simple clicks

If the name wasn’t clear enough, ‘bloatware’ is unnecessary manufacturer software that comes preloaded on new hardware. Just about no one likes it, and now Microsoft is giving us a tool to trim the fat. It may seem like small potatoes to anyone who hasn’t spent an afternoon removing apps one by one, but for… Continue reading Bloatware elimination in two simple clicks

Windows puts bloatware in the crosshairs

Even an IT novice can recognize the scourge of ‘bloatware’ on new hardware. It doesn’t matter what type of new gadget you’ve purchased, it’s bound to come loaded with unnecessary apps and software that the manufacturer believes will drive you to purchase more of their products. And while they aren’t impossible to remove, those pesky… Continue reading Windows puts bloatware in the crosshairs

Windows Phone is calling it quits

Microsoft smartphones have been on their last legs for months, if not years. Though builds and new features held promise in revitalizing the device, Microsoft announced the removal of their phones from the consumer market. While Microsoft maintains its stance on “fully committing” to Windows Phones, the fact that they are selling off their handset… Continue reading Windows Phone is calling it quits

Microsoft is hanging up on Windows Phone

For the past couple of years, Microsoft’s smartphones have been struggling to keep up with Android and Apple devices. Although Microsoft sells their handsets at lower price points and are constantly trying to improve user experience, the Windows Phone just isn’t cutting it in the consumer market. So what’s happening to Microsoft’s smartphone business? Let’s… Continue reading Microsoft is hanging up on Windows Phone

Why Microsoft is putting down the phone

Microsoft smartphones have always seemed to pale in comparison to Android and Apple devices. Perhaps one of the largest reasons why is because it entered the smartphone game too late. And the recent “strategic retreat” from the consumer market only suggests that Microsoft is far from reaching their initial goals with their mobile platform. Here… Continue reading Why Microsoft is putting down the phone

A more secure cloud-based Microsoft Office

Privacy and security concerns can derail a lot of great software ideas — but Microsoft is determined not to let that happen to their browser-based Office Online services. Last week, the software giant announced that their cloud-based versions of Office would be available to be hosted locally, wooing over security skeptics. Let’s take a look… Continue reading A more secure cloud-based Microsoft Office

Web-based Microsoft Office with security

SMBs see a lot of benefits to utilizing browser-based software, but generally avoid implementation for privacy and security concerns. Microsoft has finally addressed these issues by allowing businesses to host Microsoft Office locally. Popular pieces of software that usually take up a lot of space can now be securely accessed through a private cloud. Read… Continue reading Web-based Microsoft Office with security

Microsoft’s more secure Office web service

Earlier this month, Microsoft made a huge announcement regarding Office that hasn’t received much attention. While there is a lot of interest in web-based versions of Microsoft Office, many organizations avoided the Office Online services for fear of compromising their privacy and security. However, they’ve announced a new version that allows businesses to host an… Continue reading Microsoft’s more secure Office web service

Will more apps save the Windows phone?

Windows has increasingly been left forgotten in the smartphone game. This is especially due to the huge success of iOS and Android devices. But just when you think that Windows smartphones will just fizzle out, Microsoft has quickly announced plans to revitalize their mobile operating systems. So what steps will Microsoft be taking to stay… Continue reading Will more apps save the Windows phone?