by Felicien | Jul 5, 2019 | Education
What You Need to Know About Backing Up iTunes and What’s Next for Apple Music and Other Media
Many iTunes users were shocked on June 3 when Apple announced that iTunes would be phased out. First things first: the iTunes store won’t be going away. All of the music people have bought from the store will still be there.
What is Apple actually doing with iTunes?
Because people are increasingly streaming, not downloading, Apple is breaking the iTunes store up into separate segments for music, podcasts, and video/television. Each of the media will have its own app on the Catalina Mac OS.
What iTunes apps will be affected?
The iTunes store will still be available as a music store. The other media, including video/TV and podcasts are being spun off.
The new iTunes store will be more closely aligned with Apple’s streaming music service. Apple is looking to rebrand itself as a streaming entertainment service. Other streaming content Apple is either developing or currently offering include Apple Music (streaming), a new TV streaming service, and a magazine subscription service.
What will I do to save my iTunes library?
First, the change affects desktop computers only. If you’re using iTunes on any other device, it won’t change. Second, the change will only affect you if you’re upgrading to macOS 10.15 Catalina.
Apple’s iTunes change is intended to conform the way digital media is stored on desktops with all other devices. If you are upgrading to macOS 10.15 Catalina, after the change, you will locate your iTunes library using Finder.
If you look at one of your mobile devices, you can see what will happen – the format on your desktop in macOS 10.15 Catalina will be similar to the format for media libraries on the iPhone or iPad. Mobile IOS devices have apps for Music, Videos, and Podcasts.
What if I can’t find the iTunes store?
The iTunes store on a desktop or laptop will be located in a sidebar within Apple Music. You can use the sidebar the same way you have always used it. Individual songs and albums will continue to be available for purchase and download.
How can I make sure my iTunes library is backed up?
You can back up your Mac using Time Machine. Your iTunes library will be backed up automatically as long as the library is included and it’s a full Mac backup.
If you want to use Time Machine to store a copy of the library outside Apple storage, connect a storage device to your Mac. When Time Machine prompts, choose the device as the backup disk.
If you only want to back up your iTunes music, not your whole computer, make sure that your iTunes music is on the local computer.
If there are any songs you’re concerned you may have missed, choose the Account menu at the top of your iTunes screen, then choose “Purchased” and “Music.” Re-download the songs you want to make sure you have saved.
Next, you need to organize and consolidate your library. Click “File” on the top of the iTunes screen. Choose “Library,” then “Organize Library.” At that point, pick the first option: “Consolidate files.”
This puts your files together and keeps them organized while also leaving originals in place.
You can then use the consolidated iTunes Media folder to make a backup onto any external drive or memory device.
Apple’s support page on how to back up and restore your iTunes library can also help guide you through the process.
ITunes isn’t really going away and neither will your downloaded and purchased music. Apple is just adding streaming capabilities for music, videos, podcasts, and television. Look for the changes this fall when Apple releases Mac OS Catalina. If you won’t be upgrading to the new operating system, you will not notice any changes at all on your Mac, MacBook, iMac or Mac Pro.
by Felicien | Jul 5, 2019 | Education
The role of the CMO has changed dramatically in recent years, and the push for more integration of marketing and technology shows no signs of stopping. With 2020 just around the corner, it is worthwhile to look more closely at how CMOs are doing their jobs today—and what the future holds for those serving as chief marketing officers.
The lines between marketing and IT continue to blur, which means CMOs and CIOs are going to be getting closer and closer as time goes on. By integrating areas of expertise when necessary, CMOs and CIOs can both benefit from the changes that are coming in the future. Each will still need to be the best at what they do, but CMOs can certainly learn from their interactions with CIOs and vice versa.
Change is a Part of the Job for CMOs
It was not that long ago that CMOs focused exclusively on marketing. They were tasked with developing advertising campaigns, connecting with customers and establishing brands. The evidence of their effectiveness in these areas is all around—just look at the many brands that are household names. But in the past decade, information technology has moved along at a rapid clip and become incorporated in the public landscape in ways that no one would have predicted 30 years ago. Big data, AI, social media—the world has changed significantly, and the role of the CMO has had to change along with it.
Today, CMOs are as involved in technology as they are in marketing. They really do not have a choice in the matter. The way that companies interact with their customers is dictated by a variety of ubiquitous technology platforms that seem to be here to stay. And even if the big players today fail to hold their top positions, it is almost certain that others will move in to fill in the gaps. The end result is that technology is just a part of life for most people—and those people are the customers that CMOs need to reach. Doing so will likely always require a deft touch with technology from now on.
Developing a CMO/CIO Relationship for the Future
Just a few decades ago, the main interactions between CMOs and CIOs centered on very specific needs. Fixing computers, installing software, handling antivirus programs—when the marketing team had tech issues with their hardware or software, they got help from the IT department. It was unlikely that the CMO and CIO would hang out and talk about marketing technology strategy because the marketing technologies that were available were few and far between.
Now, though, CMOs need the help of CIOs for a large portion of their work. CMOs need to leverage tech to reach customers and establish branding, and CIOs are still the leaders in the technology sphere for businesses. While CMOs can gain some substantial proficiency with marketing technology or martech, they are unlikely to be as technologically proficient as CIOs. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, CMOs look to CIOs to help them take full advantage of the technology tools at their disposal.
The developing of a close working relationship between CMOs and CIOs is going to be a major pillar of the business world in 2020 and beyond. While each executive will have their own sphere of responsibilities and expectations, those spheres will overlap in significant ways. Both need the business to succeed, and both need each other to make that happen.
What CMOs Will Be Doing in 2020 and Beyond
CMOs in the coming years are going to be tasked with performing the responsibilities of a marketing leader while also leveraging whatever technologies are available to achieve optimal results. If that sounds like a lot to take on for one person, that’s because it is. This is why CMOs are not going to be going it alone like they may have once done. They are going to require the assistance of skilled professionals who know how to provide the support necessary to achieve company objectives.
In practice, the role the CMO will play will be one founded in collaboration. The CMO will have company objectives to achieve and marketing objectives that will dictate the actions of the department. Making progress towards those objectives will require using various technologies to gather data, analyze data, communicate with customers, and predict future trends and more. Choosing which tech to use and how to use it to achieve business objectives is where the insight of CIOs will prove pivotal, which is why CMOs will be cooperating with CIOs regularly.
One of the most exciting developments for both CMOs and CIOs will be the development of cross-department expertise on both sides of the relationship. CMOs will know more about how CIOs think and what they need, while CIOs will gain a clearer understanding of how to help CMOs achieve marketing objectives. Eventually, each will be able to offer suggestions and insights that might never have developed without working together regularly. CMOs and CIOs are likely to become greater than the sum of each position, which could bring about even more substantial changes in how businesses operate and interact with consumers.
by Felicien | Jul 5, 2019 | Education
Have you ever wanted to put access to certain apps on your phone or tablet under an extra layer of security? There are all sorts of reasons people might want this. Maybe you want to share your phone with a child, but you don’t want little Johnny messing with work apps or your grown-up Netflix account. As another example, maybe you want to let a fellow salesperson review a presentation on your phone without having access to your contacts and sales leads. Some people may have sensitive chats that they want to keep safe from inquisitive eyes, too.
Whatever your reason for wanting to protect certain specific apps, we have good news and bad. First, the good: On Android, there’s an app (or 3) for that! The bad news: there really isn’t any kind of equivalent function on Apple beyond the content restrictions found in Screen Time. If this is something you want to do, you’ll need an Android Device.
How to Password Protect Individual Apps on Android Devices
Password protecting individual apps isn’t something that you can do natively on Android phones. In other words, the functionality is not a standard feature that’s part of the operating system. That said, there is a way to add this functionality. You just need to download the right app.
Step 1: Download AppLock by SuperTools
The first step is to download an effective app-locking app from the Google Play store. There are several to choose from. We recommend AppLock – fingerprint lock & phone cleaner, by SuperTools.
Remember that the Google Play store has plenty of lookalike and copycat apps. If you search for an app protector app, make sure you select this one or another that has very strong reviews.
Install the app, then click OPEN once it’s installed.
Step 2: Set an AppLock Passcode
Once you open AppLock, you’ll be greeted with a landing screen with a big START button. Tap it. The next screen prompts you to create a new password. Don’t be fooled if this screen looks like your Android login screen! It’s something different entirely. This is where you create the password you want to use to access your password-locked apps.
Pick something you can remember but that’s different from your phone’s main lock code. Otherwise, you’re more or less defeating the purpose of this added security. If your kid or your coworker knows your main password, he or she can just guess that same password when trying to access a sensitive app and bingo, they’re in.
When you finish setting up your passcode, you’ll get a couple screens asking if you want to give AppLocker permission to draw over other apps. Set this to Allow/enable/permit, whatever your version of Android calls it. You may need to do this in 2 consecutive screens.
Step 3: More Configuration
Once you’ve taken care of your permissions settings, head back over to the AppLocker app. You should see a list of other apps. Find the ones that you want to lock and click the icon on the right that looks like an open padlock. It will change to a colored, closed padlock when you tap it.
Once you’ve selected all the apps that you intend to lock, click the LOCK button at the bottom.
Step 4: Test It Out
Now that you’ve configured your AppLocker app, it’s time to test it out. Exit to your main screen and open an app that you’ve locked. You should see a secondary login screen with the app’s icon at the top. Enter the passcode you created earlier, and you’re good to go.
Wrap-Up
Adding an app locker to your Android device is a simple way to add an extra layer of security. You’ll gain the freedom to share your device with more people knowing that your sensitive apps are protected.
by Felicien | Jul 4, 2019 | Education
At the end of 2018, Microsoft released the newest version of Windows Server, launching their small to medium business customers into an unexpected dilemma. A new era had arrived. Windows Server 2019, much like previous iterations, has three different editions geared toward every business type from small to enterprise. While the editions for large businesses—Datacenter and Standard—have some great upgrades from the previous version, Windows Server 2019 Essentials for small to medium businesses was massively downsized, leaving business owners to wonder about their future with Windows Server.
Windows Server 2019 and 2016: How do they compare?
What are the newest features of Windows Server Essentials? The 2019 server operating system for small businesses does not really offer anything new as much as it does away with the key features that were part of the 2016 edition; features that businesses have come to expect. In appearance, it is much like the 2016 version. It provides a small business solution as an Active Directory domain controller, and a single license includes Client Access Licenses for 25 users and 50 devices.
So what features are no longer available? One of the biggest changes to Windows Server 2019 Essentials is the removal of the Essentials Experience Role, taking with it the Administrative Dashboard, Client backup, and Remote Web Access. For businesses that depend on RWA—which is the majority—this change limits their ability to provide network access for offsite employees. Accessing the server, your desktop, and your files remotely is no longer an option. Essentials 2019 also no longer supports Office 356 integration tools. The loss of these features can have a huge impact on businesses that—for years—have depended on Windows Server to provide their on-premise server needs. However, the new face of Windows Server is not the only thing to consider before updating your software. Microsoft also announced that Windows Server 2019 Essentials may be their very last iteration of this software for small businesses.
Alternative Solutions to Windows Server 2019
For businesses using Windows Server 2016 Essentials, one solution is to continue using that license until the software becomes obsolete. Rather than upgrade to the 2019 edition, consider using Essentials 2016 for as long as possible, while also researching next steps for the day when Microsoft no longer supports that version. Another option is to upgrade to the Standard edition of the 2019 server, which makes sense if your business is growing at a pace that would require greater capacity in the near future.
If, however, you have already upgraded to Windows Server 2019 Essentials, Microsoft does offer solutions for navigating the lost features. In place of the Administrative Dashboard, look to Windows Admin Center, a free, locally-deployed app that allows you to manage your server, computers, and network with considerable ease. Also, with the Azure Active Directory connect option, businesses can access—for a fee—some of Microsoft’s cloud services while still maintaining an onsite server.
Ultimately, Microsoft is encouraging small businesses to consider moving entirely to a cloud-based service, namely Microsoft 365 or Microsoft 365 Business. For businesses that require dependable remote access and collaboration, this could be an ideal solution. Microsoft 365 includes the complete Office 365 suite of productivity tools and apps, security and mobility solutions, and Windows 10. Switching to a cloud-based solution could also be a helpful option for businesses with little or no IT support. Moving your business to a cloud platform means your security, systems and support are all built in.
Changes in the IT landscape can be difficult to navigate, especially if your business has depended upon a platform or service that has worked well for many years. While these changes can be frustrating at times, the constant developments of technology—when embraced—can also provide upgrades and solutions for your business that increase productivity, improve security, and help you navigate change for years to come.
by Felicien | Jul 4, 2019 | Education
Chances are, you already use cloud computing in your personal life with applications such as Facebook, Gmail, and Dropbox. But what about your business?
According to a recent study, 31% of companies still don’t use cloud computing to organize and operate their business. Although some of these companies stated they plan to implement cloud computing at some point in the future, this still leaves a large margin of businesses who are, dare we say, living in the dark ages of information technology.
Numerous misconceptions about cloud computing are usually to blame for this. Ahead, we’ll dismantle these concerns by detailing the most potent benefits of using cloud computing in your business or organization.
Top Benefits of Cloud Computing
1. Access From Anywhere
One of the most useful benefits of the cloud is the ability to access your company’s data, software, applications, and more from anywhere in the world. As long as you have an Internet connection, you’ll be able to access the cloud.
For certain businesses, this provides the ability to hire remote workers. Employees, likewise, generally enjoy the ability to work from home or remotely at their leisure. On business trips, huge amounts of equipment aren’t necessary when all necessary data and services can be accessed via any WiFi connection.
2. Always-Up-to-Date Software
Many programs that your business may require will need occasional (or seemingly daily) software updates to continue to run properly. Instead of having to allow and wait for these updates every time you log on to your computer or an individual program, cloud-based software automatically updates and refreshes (unless you tell it not to).
For employees and your entire business, this means valuable time saved. Furthermore, as a result, fewer IT resources and in-house specialists are required to oversee updates and server maintenance.
3. Loss Prevention & Reliable Backup Protection
With cloud-based storage and computing, much less data will be lost from careless errors, computer glitches, or malicious software (malware). Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, cloud-based storage allows for immediate backups to be procured and implemented.
Formerly, backing up entire collections of data and programs would take an immense amount of time and take up valuable space. As a result, many companies did not perform routine data backups and were thusly in big trouble when problems would inevitably arrive.
4. Added Security
Security is a major issue when it comes to cloud-based storage and cloud computing as many company heads and managers falsely believe that the cloud is more susceptible to security problems than in-house data storage on servers.
Actually, cloud security is extremely effective and robust. That’s because maintaining adequate security is one of the most important responsibilities that a cloud host has. Likely no one is more efficient at security than the leading cloud hosts.
Furthermore, many security issues actually arise from internal theft. In these situations, off-site data storage is much more effective than on-site server storage.
5. Saved IT Costs
While it is true that switching from in-house data storage to a cloud-based data storage system does come with an initial price tag, the long-term cost benefits of this switch will surely be in your favor. In fact, cloud computing comes with a huge return on investment (ROI) across the board.
For example, starting any new project, backing up your data, and implementing new services and programs can all be completed much more easily with the cloud. Of course, in this way, easier means cheaper.
Instead of having to install important programs and applications on all of your employees’ computers, for instance, the cloud enables you to purchase one cloud subscription for everyone. Within reason, no matter the device, no matter the location, your employees (or clients, customers, etc.) will always be able to access the services of that program as well as up-to-date data.
Furthermore, you only have to pay for the cloud storage you actually need. If you’ll simply be backing up files and keeping inventory information on the cloud, for example, you won’t need to pay for the larger amount of space that might be required to store massive amounts of sensitive data. The price tag of your cloud services will always be catered to your unique needs.
If your company or organization hasn’t made the switch from in-house servers to the cloud yet, consider it a must for your 2019 to-do list. As the business world moves further and further toward complete cloud and Internet reliance, your business will certainly go the way of the dinosaur if you’re not on board.
by Felicien | Jul 3, 2019 | Education
Assassins for hire, drugs by mail order, and fake passports: What do all these things have in common?
You can find them all on the dark web.
“Okay …” you may be thinking, “Sounds like a blast — but how does this affect me and my business?”
Well, most likely, you’re not surfing the dark web for fake travel documents and drugs by mail. But as it turns out, the dark web can affect you and your business. Most notably, your information can end up there — and that’s exactly where you don’t to find it.
Below, we’ll learn more about what the dark web is, how it came into existence, and how you can protect your business from the trouble that lurks there.
First Thing’s First: What Is the Dark Web?
The dark web began much more innocently than one might assume. In fact, at its very beginning in the late 1990s, it was the brainchild of a government entity, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).
The NRL’s main goal was to cloak their online presence, effectively protecting their clandestine communications online while also anonymously monitoring the world market and getting access to hidden data without a trace. The software development stage went by the name The Onion Routing Project and resulted in the creation of Tor (The Onion Router).
Whether you’d call these beginnings “innocent” or not, to be sure, the NRL never anticipated their creation to morph into the toxic netherworld it is today. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the software was for government use only, but in 2004, it was open-sourced and went public, effectively creating an anonymous web browser for anyone and everyone to use.
What Is Tor?
Tor or The Onion Router is the software program used by the dark web. Normally, when you surf the web, you can be traced wherever you go because you always have an IP address trailing your clicks and searches.
Tor facilitates an Internet browser that messes with your device’s IP address, effectively enabling you to travel around the Internet anonymously. It does this by bouncing your IP address to a multitude of diverse locations. As a result, if someone were to attempt to track your site visits when you were using Tor, it would be an impossible challenge to pinpoint your exact location. For Tor to work, individuals from around the world “donate” their Internet browsing devices (computers, tablets, etc.) so that the bouncing IP addresses have more places to land.
So, the Dark Web Provides Anonymity and Privacy – How Does That Put My Business at Risk?
While Tor and the dark web can be used for good (namely, identity protection, which is often beneficial to whistleblowers or journalists, for example), it can also protect criminals. And it does protect criminals — lots of them.
Cybercrime is the number one thing going on on the dark web, and unless you have good reason to require the benefits of The Onion Router, the dark web is definitely not a place you want to find your information. This is what we mean by being wary of your business getting mixed up with the dark web.
There are numerous threats that the dark web poses to businesses of various sizes, industries, and backgrounds. This is where cybercriminals can learn how to obtain information such as access codes and passwords, credit card information, gift card information, customer data, and more. It’s also where they can sell such information to third parties who can then do with it what they please.
In other words, you should want to know the moment your company name, address, or other company-related information is noticed on the dark web because what happens next is bound to be bad.
How Can Businesses Protect Themselves From the Dark Web?
Essentially, you can protect your business from the dark web by doing two things: Ensuring a strong setup of cyber privacy practices (hiring a cybersecurity-savvy IT company) and monitoring the dark web so that you’re notified the moment your information is found there.
The latter can be a part of the services you outsource to your IT company because actual dark web monitoring involves getting dark web access and knowing how to accumulate, parse, normalize, validate, refine, and enrich what you acquire. If you don’t know how to do that yourself, professionals can come to your aid.
While the dark web may be a place that helps good journalists and few others stay hidden and anonymous, it’s predominantly a place of crime and misdeeds. Keep your business safe from the dark web by knowing the risks and taking the appropriate precautions.
