by Felicien | May 18, 2017 | Education
Office 365 Education has a lot of new integration that your organization should know about.
Microsoft has been investing in digital and online education for years. With that much experience – along with Microsoft’s well-known business tools – any education organization looking for a tech upgrade should consider the Microsoft option. One of the most current packages for schools is Office 365 for Education: Take a look at the benefits it offers students and teachers alike.
Cloud-Based Connections Allow Anywhere Learning
Office 365 for education offers cloud-based access to a variety of channels, including contacts through Exchange Online, document storage and sharing, email, calendars, instant messaging, and much more. Using the portal already provided by Office 365, this allows teachers to communicate with remote students. There is some fear that this leads to teachers being on the job 24/7, but in practice it proves more convenient than anything else, allowing teachers to swiftly answer questions over the cloud when required, pass out homework to absent students in a timely manner, and hold important discussions even when weather closes down the school. It’s a true time saver and great training for using cloud software in the future.
Access to Office 365 Tools Is Great Productivity Training
Speaking of “training,” one of the often-touted benefits of Office 365 for Education and that students have access to the web version of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote and other common Microsoft apps that are frequently required for work and financial management. This is a good point: Not everyone will use Windows in their professional lives, but the sooner students learn these important tools for college, work and beyond, the more prepared they will be (and the more impressive their resumes will look).
Collaboration and Teamwork Encourage Group Learning
Many of the newer features on 365 for Education focus on encouraging group learning and giving students the tools to work together in teams – something often too rare in pre-college education. Communication tools aren’t just about communication directly with a teach, they focus on group dynamics, with audio and video conferencing options through Lync online that allow safe student communication for any number of projects, including advice on particularly tricky assignments, and personal student reminders when calendars don’t quite do the trick. It’s a more natural way for today’s always-online students to work together and help each other out.
Student Data Management is Easier for Teachers Than Ever
On the teacher side, Office 365 makes it much easier to both assign and grade assignments through SharePoint Online’s tools: These allow teachers to create individual sections for each separate class, as well as use the specially designed Class Notebooks within Microsoft Teams, essentially setting each class as a different Team for easier management. It’s an organic, flexible way of organizing classes and allows teachers to rapidly update or manage a class, even during off hours.
Security Requirements Are Easy to Meet
The Education version of 365 sticks primarily to web access to limit how software can be used and includes business-grade encryption to keep all information safe. Microsoft has plenty of experience with this approach, so if you’re concerned about security regulations, meeting local requirements is easy with the fully integrated 365 approach.
Discounts and Programs Make Office 365 Highly Affordable
Students and educators can get access to common Office Online applications for free, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. For fees – $6 per student per month, a slightly more for educators, access expands to OneNote, Publisher, and other apps. It remains a solid choice if budget requirements encourage a go-easy approach, or if you want to invest more in digital education tools.
New Apps Add More Specific Learning and Team Possibilities for Students
Office 365 for Education continues to develop and gain new capabilities, especially as 365 and Windows get upgrades. A notable new capability – in addition to using Microsoft Teams to manage classes and projects – is integration with other apps, many with specific teaching purposes. Busuu offers a quizbot for studying new languages. Kahoot! Allows teachers to create their own learning games. Canvas allows for additional social communication and tool access. Flipgrid enables easy and safe video discussions. The list goes on…expect continued updates on this front!
For more information on how Office 365 and other Microsoft tools can help {city} schools, contact {company} at {phone} or {email} to learn about plans, services, and security.
by Felicien | May 17, 2017 | Education
Ransomware is malware that either freezes your computer or locks it so you cannot access data and programs that your company normally uses. The criminal that is holding your system hostage, demands a ransom that is usually paid in Bitcoin.
Imagine opening your business one morning, turning your computer on and reading a message that says something like: Attention – Your System is Locked. If you want your data and programs unlocked, you must pay a fee of $800. If you are a new business or a small one, $800 can be a lot of money. It is in effect a ransom payment and is the harbinger that your computer is a victim of ransomware.
What is Ransomware/Malware?
Ransomware is malware that either freezes your computer or locks it so you cannot access data and programs that your company typically uses. The criminal that is holding your system hostage, demands a ransom that is usually paid in Bitcoin. One thing about this kind of criminal is they believe in excellent customer service. Instructions are sent you about how to pay in Bitcoin. Also, the thief or gang of thieves usually do return your computer back over to you – otherwise, most people would not bother to pay the ransom.
However, the ransom is only the beginning of your expenses relating to a ransomware incident involving your business.
What Are the Other Costs of Ransomware?
In 2016, the average cost of paying a ransom demand involving accessing a business’ computer programs and data was $679. It is expected to rise in 2017 to nearly $800. But, that is not the only, nor necessarily, the greatest expense. The other costs attendant to ransomware include:
Regulatory Fines
It is the duty of every business to safeguard the Personal Financial Information (PFI) and Personal Identifying Information (PII) of clients and customers. Regulatory authorities such as the US Department of Health and Human Services (HIPAA compliance) or the Federal Trade Commission for letting PII fall victim to a ransomware attack. Fines can be high (millions of dollars) but are usually not levied if there had been no other prior issues regarding confidentiality. For those firms who had previous breaches, fines can quickly add up to millions of dollars.
A Lack of Productivity
When a computer system is unreachable, your employees are undergoing downtime. Without your business data and programs, they are unable to work and are simply nothing more than another expense due to ransomware. Depending on the size of your workforce is how much this costs. A research study by the firm Vanson Bourne for SentinelOne reveals that it takes 38 man hours to recover from a ransomware attack.
Loss of Customers/Lack of New Customers
When a company is victimized by a ransomware attack, most states require that anyone whose data may have been breached must be advised of the possible breach. Doing so may lead to customers leaving you for another company. Likewise, it is harder to find new clients or customers.
Loss of Employees/Inability to Hire Top Applicants
The situation is similar when it comes to employee retention and new hires – employees want to know their employer has an excellent reputation that is unsullied by a successful ransomware attack.
{company} in {city} is the trusted choice when it comes to staying ahead of the latest information technology tips, tricks, and news. Contact us at {phone} or send us an email at {email} for more details.
by Felicien | May 17, 2017 | Education
Need a fast Windows screenshot? We’ll show you how to do it!
Do you need to take a quick Windows screenshot for work or fun, but can’t figure out how to do it? Don’t worry: Our guide will show you just how it’s done.
Copy the Screen for Posts
Traditionally, the “Print Screen” option is the quickest way to take an easy screenshot that you can use later on as desired. The only problem here is that these days Print Screen looks a little different based on what type of keyboard you may have. These steps may not all be available on some keyboards, especially more compact keyboards or non-Windows keyboards.
First, look at the top rows of buttons on your keyboard. Look for a button that says “PrtScn” or “Print Scr” or any other abbreviation (it may also be lurking around the Ctrl key, there are several places that they appear. If there’s a dedicated key, all you have to press it. This will instantly copy a snapshot of the screen. You can then go into any document and paste the screenshot wherever space is available.
Note that sometimes this feature is on a dual-purpose key, and you may have to access it by pressing the Ctrl or Fn key at the same time.
Automatically Save Screenshot as File
Let’s say that you don’t want to just copy a screenshot for pasting, but that you actually want to save a screenshot as its own photo file. In that case, you may need a combination of buttons. If your keyboard has both a Print Screen button and a Windows logo key, you can press them both at the same time: This will usually take a screenshot and then automatically save it as a separate file, typically in the desktop or its own screenshots folder.
Of course, it’s not always that simple. If you have a Windows key, an Fn key, and a Ctrl key, you may need to push some combination of these keys along with the Print Screen key to create an automatic save. A little bit of experimentation may be in order, but if you’re using a built-in keyboard (like on a laptop) then you can probably look up the best method.
Choose a Single Window as a Screenshot
This is a common case in many of today’s larger screens, where you have several windows open at the same time but only want to take a screenshot of one window, not the whole screen. There’s a way to do this, too: Click on the window you want to copy so that it’s highlight. Then press the Print Screen key and the Alt key at the same time. If your keyboard has an Fn key, you have to press Print Screen, Alt, and Fn at the same time to get this to work.
“Snipping” Screenshots
Windows also lets you select a particular area of the screen through a dedicated screenshot tool called the Snipping Tool. It’s not as fast as other methods, but it is very effective. Just type in “snipping tool” into your Windows search box and it will bring up the right link to select. This opens up a small bar that allows you to create a “New” screenshot and change the shape of the shot. You can then drag your mouse to create whatever size you need.
Looking for more information on how to use Windows 10? Remember to take a look at {company}’s Wisdom Wednesday series for continued advice. If our {city} readers have any further questions or need help figuring out a problem, contact {company} at {phone} and {email}.
by Felicien | May 17, 2017 | Education
When it comes to social media marketing, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are no longer enough. Get an edge over your competition by mastering Snapchat now!
Since all but taking over online communication, social media has become a viable business tool as well. Social media is easy and affordable to use, and it allows access to vast numbers of potential new customers. While Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are being used liberally by today’s businesses, there’s one exciting platform that isn’t seeing as much traffic: Snapchat.
Snapchat is one of the fastest-growing social media options with millennials. There are well over 100 million active Snapchat users, and over 70 percent are under the age of 34. Put quite simply, businesses looking to connect with this crowd should be on Snapchat.
Easy to Use
Snapchat works by providing an interface through which users can easily send photos and videos, or “Snaps,” to their followers. The media sent is only viewable for up to 10 seconds (the user gets to determine the length of the display). Afterward, it disappears forever. Multiple snaps can be strung together to create a “story” viewable for up to 24 hours.
Some other compelling Snapchat facts and stats include:
Users are Highly Active. An impressive 65 percent of Snapchat users post new content at least once per day. You can do the same, and your business will stay active in the consciousness of potential customers.
Ready to Buy. Nearly 60 percent of college students said they were very likely purchase a product using a coupon they received via Snapchat.
Get More Personal with Users. Snapchat allows for showing current and potential customers a more casual, behind-the-scenes view of your company.
Builds Trust. Trust in your brand will grow the more you post on Snapchat. Users will come to feel as if they “know” your company and be more likely to choose you over your competitors.
Growing Your Snapchat Network
Unlike Instagram and Twitter, hashtags aren’t enough to entice new followers. On Snapchat, users must find and add you. To add users, you must know their Snapchat names. Snapchat does not have native discovery capabilities. Gaining Snapchat followers requires using your company’s online presence – including your other social media accounts – to raise awareness about your Snapchat account. Here are some tips for getting the ball rolling:
Promote Actively. Promote your Snapchat account name within your other social media profiles as well as in email signatures, blog posts and on your website.
Use the “Add Me URL.” This feature allows for sharing a customized URL on other social media platforms. It lets users easily and rapidly connect with you. Use this link and replace “username” with your business Snapchat account name:https://www.snapchat.com/add/username
Share Valuable, Compelling Content. Plan a content series that tells a story, teaches something new, allows users to play a game, or otherwise keeps them engaged.
Use Snapcodes. Grab your Snapchat QR code image as a cropped screen shot and use it within your other social media account profiles.
Getting active on Snapchat now can vault your business ahead of the competition on this fast-moving platform. If your company is ready to succeed on Snapchat, contact {company} of {city} at {phone} or {email}. We look forward to helping you succeed!
by Felicien | May 17, 2017 | General, Wisdom Wednesday
Here are eight highly effective guidelines for better website conversions.
When designing buttons — particularly those for landing pages — it’s important to note a few fundamental principles that will boost your click-through rates and make your responses surge. Here are eight highly effective guidelines for better website buttons:
- Use Contrast in Your Designs: Buttons need to pop off the page and look different from the rest of your content. Choose colors that stand out and look fresh, not dull or flat. Don’t be afraid to use bold, bright, saturated or even unusual colors. Your button text itself should contrast highly with the button colors so it’s super-readable.
- Maximize Clickability: Buttons should look like buttons — typically, they should be rectangular and have slightly rounded corners. A 3-D look is also recommended, as is incorporating a rollover effect such as a color or depth change when a user rolls over them. Users should recognize buttons immediately when they see them.
- Maximize Size: While you don’t want buttons that are as large as your content, don’t be afraid to make buttons big or oversized. If a user can’t find the buttons on your page, they might as well not be there at all! Experiment and see how big you can make buttons without them dominating your content. Remember to still leave white space as described below.
- Add Directional Cues: Use arrows to point directly to your button and/or your call-to-action. Don’t be afraid to put the arrow right on the button itself or extremely close to it. Studies show that the presence of arrows boosts conversions more than their absence.
- Use the Right Call-to-Action: The text on your button should describe exactly what the button does; some samples could be “Download My Free Tutorial” or “Request a Sample.” Never use a vague, indirect word or phrase like “Click Here” or “Submit.”
- Add Supporting Information: Extra information that helps the call-to-action or clarifies the purpose of the button should be added either inside the button itself or immediately below it. It can be in smaller type if necessary. Some examples are “Downloads are always free!” or “There’s no obligation to join!”
- Communicate Urgency: If you don’t communicate a sense of urgency, many people won’t respond to your offer. Instead, add words that convey a quantity or time limitation, such as “Today” or “Now,” to your call-to-action.
- Incorporate White Space: Just as design elements grab people’s attention, the use of white space makes them stand out. Not enough white space on a page will make content and buttons all flow together so they’re indistinguishable from one another. Make sure there’s enough white space between your content and your buttons and between buttons themselves so each element is evident.
In general, buttons are as important as your content, if not more so, because they’re what a user employs to interact with your page. It’s critical that they’re useful and are appealing to users, so you can generate the outcome that you’re looking for.
