by Felicien | May 27, 2018 | Education
Microsoft has released the fifth major update to its Windows 10 operating system, complete with a whole bevy of exciting changes and helpful features. This latest iteration is designed to improve performance and productivity while focusing more on security.
The Windows 10 April 2018 Update has been codenamed, Redstone 4 and is now available worldwide for updates to any device running a Windows operating system. It includes a better array of media creation tools in order to meet the growing demands of users who enjoy posting to Instagram and Pinterest.
There are quite a few solid features with this new release that should make life a little easier for those who use their smartphone for just about everything. However, there were major additions to desktop and laptop computers as well. Microsoft is focused on improving its browser, MS Edge, but Chrome is still the preferred choice for most users. Other improvements to Windows Subsystem for Linux and Windows Defender should increase the product’s flexibility and security.
Cortana carries the day on the desktop experience
There are substantial changes to the Cortana assistant. The new Windows version has experienced a complete overhaul of the Cortana Notebook. It now features tabs and card-based items making it more responsive and easier to use. Lists and reminders are now on the organizer tab and the options to change most of the Cortana settings are now on the Manage Skills tab.
The default skill in the Notebook on Cortana now features a set of tips for questions that you can ask Cortana to get you started. To use this feature, you can either type the question, tap the suggestion, or simply talk to Cortana and the information you want will pop up.
Cortana’s Notebook is now available in more countries and in more languages, with quite a few performance improvements. Not to mention that you’ll now see your account picture in the left rail going forward.
There is something else that’s new with the Lists experience on Windows 10: Cortana Collections. This is an addition that allows Cortana to notice and remember things like restaurants, recipes, movies, books, TV shows, and more for you without you necessarily having to do anything.
What’s new on the desktop
Right-clicking the Windows Defender Security Center icon on the desktop now brings new options including:
A quick scan
Update definitions
Change notifications
Launch the Windows Defender app
OneDrive in File Explorer now shows a cloud status icon that tells you the sync state of files on the various folders.
Windows 10 has introduced a new Game bar with a fresh design, settings that are easier to use, and an updated clock. You’ll also see new buttons to turn on the microphone and camera and capture and edit your Mixer stream title.
The Start menu now includes Reveal highlights, an interactive visualization feature that helps you navigate and interact with apps. This feature will be noticeable while hovering over items in Live Tiles and the “All apps” list. Furthermore, right-clicking the Microsoft Store app and selecting the More option now brings a menu with a Settings option included. Clicking this takes you straight to the settings page for that app.
Action Center on the new Windows now supports a two-finger touch gesture to dismiss all notifications. It also automatically saves as drafts any notification responses dismissed by accident. The “a” / “p” format for indicating the 12-hour clock timestamp has changed to “am” / “pm”.
Nearby Sharing. This is a new feature on the updated Windows 10 that allows for sharing of web links and files wirelessly to nearby devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
Changes and additions to settings experience
The Windows Settings app has received a major facelift. It now features an innovative homepage with smaller icons and their titles to the right.
Microsoft has introduced a house icon for the home button, acrylic material effects on the left side of sections, and a lot of other improvements and tweaks to various categories of settings. This includes three new automatic rules under Focus Assist (formerly Quiet hours), an option for changing the font that the system uses (under Pen & Windows Ink). You can now select your own security questions as an option for recovering your account in case of forgotten sign-in information.
Major change on input
Microsoft has updated its Emoji panel data so that it will show emojis as you type related words using the touch keyboard.
Microsoft system additions
Microsoft is phasing out the HomeGroup service in favor of the more contemporary sharing tools like Share, OneDrive, and Nearby Sharing.
Many users will love the introduction of Windows Defender Application Guard to their default antivirus program, Windows Defender. This addition is a security feature that isolates pages you are viewing on Microsoft Edge from Windows and from one another as a way to provide an additional layer of security from malware and zero-day attacks.
Finally, it is now possible for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Windows 10 to run mixed instances of Linux. The process can also now run in the background even after closing the console.
As you can see, Microsoft has been working hard to make its Windows 10 software the best it can be. We hope that you find this guide informative and as useful as the Windows update itself.
by Felicien | May 27, 2018 | Education
The Hurricane and Tropical Storm Season officially starts on June 1st. But we heard just now that Louisiana sent out storm and flood warnings for Alberto.
Alberto is a strong tropical storm that’s been gathering strength in the Gulf of Mexico for a few days. It’s not too late to prepare, especially if you live in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, anywhere in Louisiana or along the Gulf Coast.
It only takes one storm to change your life, your business, and your community.
Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and devastating storms. But, tropical storms can sometimes be just as bad. If you live or work in an area prone to hurricanes, or even areas well away from coastlines that can be hit with dangerous flooding, destructive winds, and tornadoes, you need to get ready now.
What should you do?
Follow these basic steps to protect your business:
Establish a business-continuity/disaster-recovery plan for your technology. Back up your data to a secure offsite location. If a hurricane or tropical storm strikes your area, and you lose power, or your place of business is damaged, a properly implemented plan ensures you can retrieve your critical data and services.
Consider cloud services. Data centers have systems in place to protect them from the most violent storms. Almost everything can be stored in the cloud today, from email servers, desktop systems, telephone services and much more. Storing your business data and services in the cloud ensures that if your office is out of commission, your business isn’t.
Install power-protection systems and backup power. A generator is a great investment to provide alternate power if a hurricane shuts down your electricity. Generators can run for days, providing power to critical systems and battery-backup systems. It allows for all systems to be properly shut down and protected from surges when power is cut and comes back on.
There are many more Hurricane and Storm Readiness strategies that your business should establish.
We’re here to help. If you need confirmation that your computer systems, backups, and telephones can survive the next big storm, we can check this out for you.
by Felicien | May 25, 2018 | Education
Changes in technology come with a variety of challenges. First, there is the need to change and adapt to the new advancements. There are always financial costs associated with this process. The effects of technology are often widespread. Some people are concerned that new products and programs will put them out of work. The new developments in robotics are a good example. Many workers are concerned that their jobs will be taken over by robots in the future.
If the past is any indication, this will not happen. What usually occurs is that the human workers do see a shift in the type of work they do, but they rarely are put out of work completely. Often, technological changes are a good thing. They make everyone’s job easier and remove all those boring, redundant tasks that no one wanted to do in the first place.
Technology in the accounting sector
The world of accounting has attracted numerous technological discoveries. These new programs reduce the error margin which leads to a more reliable outcome. Accounting programs can perform most tasks much easier than human beings and with more accuracy. This saves time and money for both the accountant and their customer. In the past, errors in financial reports or tax returns could cause quite a bit of trouble for everyone involved. With a good accounting program and someone to input the correct data, these errors are greatly reduced.
Stiff competition
Technology has increased the competition for accounting firms. Before the adoption of technology, accounting firms depended mostly on the skills of the employees of the firms. This meant, therefore, that competition was shaped by the accuracy and expertise of the workers in a firm. The credentials of an accounting firm’s employees went a long way in attracting a clientele.
In the world today, however, competition among accounting firms is shaped by technology. The first question that today’s client wants to know is which accounting software do you use. Everyone has a favorite accounting software and some people have a distinct dislike of certain programs. The one thing that software developers have learned over the years is to make all software as user friendly as possible. Accounting programs that require a genius to figure out don’t last very long. Everyone is searching for something they can learn quickly.
Increases in accounting fees
Modern accounting firms have raised their fees over the years, but so have all the other professions. Just try finding a lawyer who will work for $100 per hour. This was once a huge amount of money but today’s attorney’s charge an average of $300 per hour. Technology hasn’t made their fees any cheaper but it does make the job of billing clients much simpler.
The increase in accounting fees is attributable to a wide range of factors. The software purchase, maintenance, and renewal of licenses can be a big initial expense. Of course, with each new program that is released, that expensive software you just purchased may become obsolete overnight. For this reason, many accounting professionals choose monthly subscriptions. This concept allows an accounting firm to get the most advanced software on the market. The monthly subscription fee includes regular updates. This means that your software will never be obsolete. Usually, regular maintenance and support is included in your monthly charge as well. Many websites include training for your employees.
Most accountants will say that they enjoy and appreciate this type of convenience. They can focus on working with their customers. They don’t even have to think about whether their software is working okay and contains the latest changes in tax law. Everything works like it’s supposed to and if you have a problem, simply call the vendor and they will fix things straightaway.
Accounting programs do everything from reconciling bank statements to sending invoices to customers. Though these programs will never replace humans, they make their work much easier. They give the accountant time to find ways to help their clients save money.
Filing taxes
This task has always been stressful for individuals and business owners alike. There’s just no getting around paying your taxes though. Benjamin Franklin said that nothing in this life is certain except for death and taxes. Whether you own a small business or work for an employer, doing your taxes on time and correctly each year is imperative. If accounting software didn’t do anything except our taxes, it would be well worth it.
A good accounting program can help you keep track of your expenses throughout the year. You no longer need a shoebox for all those receipts. When it’s time to file your taxes, you can import all that data into the tax filing software and save yourself lots of time. Many people are still not comfortable doing their own taxes and since IRS penalties are often severe, it may be best to hire a good accountant to do them for you. Tax time is the busiest time of year for accountants.
Final thoughts
For accountants, technology has overall been very positive. The role of accountants has changed because of reliable software programs like Xero. Your accountant has the time to talk to you about saving money on your tax return, investing in new property, and ways to save on supplies. The role of the accountant has changed some due to technological advancements, but the changes have all been good.
by Felicien | May 25, 2018 | Education
Succeeding in a non-profit organization in this day and time requires unique strategies. Technology is advancing at ever-increasing speeds and challenges even the best organizations on every level. The world has seemingly gone completely digital with Millennials now using smartphones for everything they do.
A recent survey showed that only one-fifth of all Millennials have ever written a check. And yet, checks are the most popular way that people have given to charities in the past. Today’s consumers rely on electronic payment methods such as Paypal, Venmo and Apple Pay. This applies to their charitable giving as well. While Baby Boomers and Gen X are still largely using an organization’s website for their giving, the new generation of consumers uses their mobile phones.
People enjoy supporting a good cause
Surveys also show that Millennials are conscientious about charities. They have a deep abiding desire to help make the world a better place and they’re willing to give their time and money to make this happen. The best solution is to make it as quick and easy as possible. More and more charitable organizations are learning this lesson. Going mobile and digital provides you with unique ways to make the giving as painless as possible. Large organizations like the Red Cross, give you the ability to donate by texting an amount of money to a 5-digit number. It’s just that easy. There’s nothing to fill out. No credit card information to worry about.
In a highly digitalized world where new inventions amaze and amuse us all, nonprofits face a more critical challenge than others when it comes to fund-raising. In the past, non-profits have been seen as entities that were slow to accept change. Some charities continue to do business the way they always have. This has prevented them from maintaining proper relevance in our world. In order to influence social change, non-profits must stay ahead of the curve.
Dealing with a tight budget
If nothing else gets the attention of these older, less-flexible non-profits, their tight budgets will. Effective fundraising is all about appealing to today’s savvy consumer. It’s about getting their attention with a message that speaks to the heart.
On the journey to change the world, a non-profit must increase their revenue while continually managing their resources wisely. People don’t give to organizations who waste resources and ignore their relationship with constituents. Most charitable givers want to support organizations that strive to make every dollar count. Below are a few additional tips for today’s non-profit organization.
Tell a compelling story
Most charities do have a good story about how they began. Perhaps the Director went through a rough time and was homeless for a period. Now he or she is helping other homeless people turn their lives around. Many times, when people go through a really rough time in their lives, they want to somehow make things better for others who will travel the same road. Take the time and spend the money to hire a professional writer to flesh out this story so that it’s compelling and heartfelt. Sharing your story with others is a way to endear people. It’s an excellent method of moving from a distance right into someone’s true lifestyle.
Improve constituent relationships
Stay in constant contact with your givers. Be sure to make those communications as interactive as possible. Send regular updates about how your organization is doing or current projects you’re involved in. Don’t let your only contact with the public be all about donations. Make people feel like they are part of something dynamic, something that matters. It may be a good idea to have a team that focuses only on relationships with donors.
Stay relevant
Some organizations purposely stay out of politics, religion, etc. Though it’s difficult to walk that tightrope between staying relevant and remaining neutral, this is important for most people today. If there are earth-shaking events going on around the world, find a way to talk about these things in your monthly newsletter without being preachy. Many times, global disasters and political unrest can be a time to connect with your core base and see how they feel about these events. It can be a time to create stronger bonds with supporters if handled correctly.
Make it easy for supporters to give time and money
Make donating as flexible as possible. Meet people exactly where they are in their lives. An older person may want to mail a check, while a teenager will want to use a mobile wallet. Middle-aged people still pay bills, donate to charities and conduct other business online. They trust the internet and have become comfortable with surfing the web. Regardless of where someone is in terms of their technology level, meet them there where they feel safe.
Understand the demographics of givers
Demographics are an important tool used by marketing agencies. Specific data about consumers is collected and broken down so that it reveals personal information about customers. For instance, if you’re selling sports cars, you’ll want to reach a younger group of people with lots of expendable income. Paint a picture of exactly who your primary customer is. Someone looking for an expensive sports car might be a male 20-35 years old whose income is over $200k per year. Just the same way marketing agencies need this information about potential buyers, a charitable organization does as well. When you know your supporters personally, you can connect with them on a more human level. That’s when your organization will finally achieve its mission statement and goals. This is also where organizations begin to make the most difference in the world.
Final Thoughts
With the world changing so rapidly, it’s no wonder that technological advancements sometimes astound us. A non-profit cannot be seen as inflexible and antiquated if they want to compete. Though their values should always remain old-fashioned, the way they operate must be on a level with a Fortune 500 company. An organization must stay up to date on our evolving society. Attitudes change and they can do so quickly with the great flux of information coming at us each day. Stay in tune with these events and you’ll stay connected with a group of donors who are excited about supporting your cause.
by Felicien | May 25, 2018 | Education
Today is the day…doing business in the EU? You need to be compliant with GDPR.
Watch our informative GDPR training online today.
The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) have made headlines for some time now and the deadline for compliance is fast approaching. Many have wondered why these regulations are so important and whether they will be affected. If your business is located in the United States or Canada, why do you need to be concerned?
What are the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
The GDPR are European Union Data Protection Regulations designed to protect the personal data of consumers in Europe. The regulations have put in place various measures to ensure that personal data is well protected from hackers. In this age where the cases of hacking and cyber-crimes are on the rise, these measures are crucial. The new regulations will come into effect on 25th May, 2018.
These regulations govern various aspects of data handling. They govern methods of handling data collection, data storage, data processing and data destruction. These regulations apply even when there are no financial implications in the transaction. Many organizations will be affected including companies that monitor the behavior of EU residents. They also cover anyone in the world who does business with a company in Europe. This includes many Canadian and American companies. If your business buys, sells or transacts business with a European company, then you must adhere to the provisions of the GDPR.
What happens in the case of non-compliance?
The GDPR requires that all companies that handle or deal with personal data belonging to European Union citizens comply with the regulations. Companies that fail to comply with these regulations will receive penalties and fines. The penalty imposed is calculated based on the company’s global annual turnover of the preceding financial year. It is set at 4% of the global annual turnover of the company or €20 million whichever is greater for non-compliance. Companies that are found guilty of less serious breaches of the regulations are faced with a penalty of 2% of the company’s global annual turnover or €10 million, whichever is greater.
How do these regulations affect United States based companies?
The GDPR rules apply to all companies that deal with data affecting or belonging to EU citizens. This means that people who own data processing companies with a global outreach are affected by the regulations. As has been noted, simply collecting data, even before financial agreements are reached puts the company within the purview of these Regulations. The GDPR also affects companies that deal in surveillance and monitoring of behavior, so long as the data collected belongs to a citizen of the EU.
How to comply
Knowing that the GDPR applies to your company and that the penalties for non-compliance or for breach are dire, it is important that all companies affected by these regulations take steps to ensure compliance before the May 25th deadline. There are various ways of complying with these regulations including:
Conduct an audit of your company
This enables the owners of the company to decide exactly which steps to take to comply with the regulations. The questions that you need to ask yourself while conducting this audit include; how is your data collected, where do you store your data, why do you collect that particular kind of data and when you are done with the data, how is it destroyed?
Audit your data service providers
You need to be sure that your service providers are GDPR compliant. This will ensure that the services that they provide to your company adhere to the provisions of the regulations.
Be sure that you understand new regulations
One particular regulation that may differ from general data protection regulations is the right to be forgotten. This basically means that citizens of the European Union reserve the right to request that their data be deleted from computer servers. EU citizens also reserve the right to have their data kept in a particular format and to have it transferred to another company at their request.
Determine the data handler category in which you fall
The GDPR categorizes data in two distinct categories:
Data handler- defined as a company that processes personal data on behalf of a data controller
Data controller – the person with authority over the collected data
The controller decides which data should be collected, in what format the data should be collected, how the data is to be stored and used, and how it is to be destroyed. The GDPR stipulates different regulations for various categories of data handlers. Knowing the category in which you fall will thus enable you to know which regulations are applicable to you.
Final thoughts
If you have not read the General Data Protection Regulations, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. As you can see, the requirements for adherence are demanding and the cost of non-compliance is quite hefty. It’s vital for every company that does business in Europe to know and understand these regulations. European authorities have stated that they will impose stiff penalties to make an example of companies who do not comply.
