Tech Advisory

Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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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

The 5 most popular virtualization platforms

Just understanding what office virtualization is can be difficult enough; picking from the long list of software providers that help you achieve it can feel impossible. Since virtualization is a relatively new practice for small and medium-sized businesses, there isn’t even a standardized way to go about virtualizing your company. So why not start with… Continue reading The 5 most popular virtualization platforms

5 popular virtualization platforms for SMBs

Virtualization allows you to eliminate dependency on physical hardware limitations and software requirements. Exactly how you achieve that comes in a number of different solutions with even more confusing lingo and acronyms, but before you can tackle any of that it’s a good idea to go over the different companies providing the services. Below is… Continue reading 5 popular virtualization platforms for SMBs

Prominent virtualization options for SMBs

Keeping up with tech trends as a small or medium-sized business owner is tough. Virtualization may be a great example of this, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Between the boost to network security and ability to scale your workstations and servers according to your business growth, it’s time to start learning a little more… Continue reading Prominent virtualization options for SMBs

Seven Microsoft Excel mastery tips

When was the last time you used Microsoft Excel? And no, hovering over the icon doesn’t count. If it’s taking you too long to remember, then it probably is. Digital literacy is an essential part of finding a job these days, in fact taking a look at it further reveals that proficiency in Excel is… Continue reading Seven Microsoft Excel mastery tips

Seven tips to Master Microsoft Excel

One of the skills crucial to the success of businesses today is digital literacy. This isn’t the proficiency of reading and reciting gadget labels, but according to Cornell University, “the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet.” One of the first steps involves mastering Microsoft Excel. Here… Continue reading Seven tips to Master Microsoft Excel

Optimize daily usage of Microsoft Excel

Recent research by Burning Glass revealed that nearly 8 in 10 middle-skill jobs now require digital proficiency – and jobs that require digital skills pay an average of 18% more than those that don’t. Essentially, the more literate you are digitally, the more money you will make. This means paying extra attention in class (instead… Continue reading Optimize daily usage of Microsoft Excel

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