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Skype for Business mobile coming soon

Microsoft’s will soon release Skype for Business mobile for iOS and Android.

Skype for Business will soon launch devices, sorry Blackberry.  The Skype for Business mobile app will feature a central dashboard where you can search for contacts, check meetings and look at archived conversations.  Bad news is that it is not ready for release yet however tech support services, managed IT services provider and IT managers can sign and test the app for up to eight employees including four for iOS and four for Android.  All IT support professionals should start planning to migrate their clients from Lync 2013 to Skype for Business in the upcoming months.

To access the free preview of Skype for Business, please visit www.skypepreview.com.

Is your business using Skype for Business or Lync 2013 to increase communication and productivity?

Mobile device management (MDM) managed it services

 

Is your business suffering from constant tech support issues? Our team will handle all these issues and position your company for optimal operational efficiency and productivity.

365 iT SOLUTIONS will deliver the following with our Managed IT Services including a boost in productivity with 100 % Canadian IT support that ensures a constant smooth operation. We will also secure your business and focus on proactively managing your network to stop re-occurring IT support issues.

365 iT SOLUTIONS will evaluate your current IT infrastructure with our Complimentary Network and Security Audit and find out why we are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm offering industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Should your company upgrade to Windows 10?

As you are aware Windows 10 is here however is time for your company to upgrade to Windows 10? Find out what is new and how it can help your employees be more productive.

Let’s face it, Windows 8 was a big flop so majority of companies are still running Windows 7.  If you are running Windows XP, you need check out our article “Still using Windows XP? Here are the risks.

Windows 10 Performance

Tech support services professional are extremely excited to see improvements on performance with Windows 10 compared to Windows 8.  Some performance upgrade include faster boot-up time and better hardware acceleration which allows for quicker navigation throughout the operating system. You can also look forward to better power management so mobile device battery life tends to be longer.

Windows 10 Design

Ask any IT support services professional and Windows 8 was a complete departure from Windows 7 resulting in a lot of lost employee productivity due to bad design. Windows 10 is close to Windows 7 so the user confusion will be minimal.  Microsoft has continued with bold styling but there are features such as the Control Panel and Computer Management interfaces using old recognized icons.

Windows 10 File Management

Yes, some real file management. Being a managed IT services provider, we welcome this upgrade as tools used for finding and managing files are some of the most used and a primary fundamental principal to a good operating system. In previous operating systems, it was not bad but needed work. Windows 10 does not offer the most advanced function however there are many features that make file management easy.  There is a new share ribbon which makes it much easier to move files between different apps such as Outlook, Word, OneDrive, Dropbox or Skype. File Explorer has an improved file copying interface which results in copying and moving grouped into one window for easier file management. This one is excellent, file transfer speed is shown in real time and can also be paused.

Welcome Storage Spaces feature! This allows you to group multiple hard drives together to form a single logical drive. Not revolutionary however it is useful as it supports multiple levels of drive redundancy resulting in the data backups and disaster recovery options. Unfortunately, unlike a RAID system, it is not hot-swappable.

Windows 10 Virtual Desktop

Not new but Windows 10 has enhanced this feature. Now you can have different monitors with different backgrounds and different slideshows if needed for all the sales and marketing professionals out there. Want to span pictures across all your monitors? That can be done also. The biggest feature addition is the virtual desktop support. Windows 7 had support for virtual desktops via third-party software whereas Windows 10 has it builtin.

Is your company ready for Windows 10?

Windows 7 is still a good supported operating system for businesses however companies should plan on upgrading to Windows 10 as it has a lot of useful new features as well as key improvements to old features from Windows 7.

What is your company Windows 10 upgrade plan and will it work?

Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity
Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity

365 iT SOLUTIONS can evaluate your current IT infrastructure to validate Windows 10 plus proactively manage your network from the latest threats to maximize uptime and security while reducing their online exposure.

Find out with our Complimentary Network and Security Audit or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm offering cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services all from our 100% Canadian technical team.

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Ransomware Hiding as Windows 10 Upgrade

Microsoft is still rolling out Windows 10 however cyber criminals are rolling out Ransomware hiding as Windows 10 upgrade. How do you protect yourself from Windows 10 Ransomware?

Cybercriminals work quickly to take advantage of these opportunities to develop new malware vulnerabilities. Recently researchers at Cisco have reported that they have identified spam carrying an attachment from an email address in Thailand spoofing update to Microsoft.com. If users download and execute the files inside the zip archive, they will be hit by the CTB-Locker ransomware. This threat comes from the email address update@microsoft.com with the subject “Windows 10 Free Update” or “Windows 10 Free Upgrade”.

CTB-Locker is a variant of Cryptolocker and it spreads via email, exploit kits or drive-by downloads. It encrypts documents stored on the computers and demands a ransom paid within 96 hours in Bitcoin in exchange for the encryption key.

Cybercriminals are very good at ensuring there are no spelling errors and the email is designed to look as legitimate as possible. Unfortunately users will only realize after the installation as they will get a screen stated they have been encrypted by CTB-Locker instead of the Windows 10 upgrade screen.

Always consult with your IT department or managed IT services professional prior to upgrading your system to Windows 10. You should always be cautious of your inbox and attachments.  Do not look for quick, easy ways to upgrade to Windows 10 and consult with your tech support services department on a proper Windows 10 rollout.

Is your company safe from ransomware and other Cryptolocker threats?

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365 iT SOLUTIONS proactively manages client networks from the latest threats to maximize uptime and security while reducing their online exposure.

Is your company secure and safe from external threats including ransomware, cryptolocker, cryptowall and other malicious threats?

Find out with our Complimentary Network and Security Audit or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm offering cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services all from our 100% Canadian technical team.

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

What is Internet Privacy and what does it mean to you?

Do you know what Internet Privacy is? Everyone browses the internet however very few understand what privacy is especially if you want to protect sensitive data and maximize your computer privacy online.

 

What does Internet Privacy mean?

Internet privacy is the privacy and security level of personal data published via the Internet and it is a very broad term that refers to a variety of factors including techniques and technologies used to protect sensitive and private data, communications and personal preferences.

Internet privacy is very important to business owners and managed IT services providers as e-commerce continues to grow and gain traction with impressive offerings online. All businesses and users are concerned about privacy violations and threats as the risk of information falling into cybercriminals hands is great.

Internet privacy is big concern as any user planning to make an online purchase, visit a social networking site, participate in online games or even as simple as attend forums, your privacy must be protected. If a user password is compromised and revealed to cyber criminals, a victim’s identity may be fraudulently used or stolen.

Remember what a happen when eBay was hit by cyber criminals? Check out 365 iT SOLUTIONS technical blog article for more details “For Sale: Hackers Selling eBay Logins Online”.

 

What is the risk of Internet Privacy?

Tech support services departments and outsourced IT professionals are always trying to stay ahead of the curve and limit a companies and user exposure to the internet.  Here is a list of some of the issues companies have to consider when trying to protect data and information.

  • Phishing is used to steal secure user data, including username, password, bank account number, security PIN, social insurance number and/or credit card number.
  • Pharming is used to redirect a legitimate website visitor to a different IP address.
  • Spyware obtains data without a user’s consent and when the computer is online, it will send the data.
  • Malware is used to damage online and offline computer users through Trojans, viruses and spyware.

 

So how do you protect yourself and your Internet Privacy?

Ask any IT professional and they will tell you that education is the greatest way to avoid risks.  But here are some additional steps to follow if you want to protect your business and personal information.

  • Always use preventative software applications, such as anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spam and firewalls
  • Always avoid shopping on unreliable websites. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Always avoid exposing personal data on websites with lower security levels.
  • Always ensure website are reputable and using “https” instead of “http”.
  • Clear the browser’s cache and browsing history on a consistent basis to ensure the browser is clear.
  • Always, repeat, always use very strong passwords consisting of letters, numerals and special characters and never repeat a password.

Is your company secure and protected from Internet Privacy issues?

managed it services toronto
managed it services toronto

365 iT SOLUTIONS proactively protects managed services networks from the latest threats which maximizes uptime and security while reducing your online exposure.

Put your company to the test with our Complimentary Network and Security Audit or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

Find out why 365itsolutions.com is Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm with cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

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Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity

Slow computers are everywhere however have you ever wondered what the true cost of slow workstations and laptops are to your organization.

In a released survey, it is estimated at that each employee loses 5 days per year (2.00%) due to slow computers. In order to give you an idea, here is a simple break down of how it can affect a typical organization with some aging workstations and laptops:

Employee Average Salary                   $62,400

Average Hourly Labor Rate                $30/Hour

(40 hours x 52 Weeks)

% Time Wasted to Slow Computer    2.00%

Annual Cost of Time Waste                  $1,248 per employee

Run the math, it is that simple. If your employees are losing 2% simply due to a computer, how much is the entire company losing when you have 10 employees? What about larger organizations? You have to consider what is the amount of production time your employee could be spending doing valuable work rather than wasting their time waiting for a slow computer.

This is where companies have to evaluate if a new computer of $1,000 would be a good investment to increase productivity and profitability plus the company would be saving money.

 

How much time is your company wasting due to old workstations and other technology?

Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity
Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure maximum uptime and profitability.

We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Let our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com so you the way to get the most out of your technology or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

 

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Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts are great to speed up your productivity when working with the latest Microsoft operating system. Our technical support team put together a list of some great Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts that can help you.

Snap Windows

  • WIN + LEFT and WIN + RIGHT are the same as previous Microsoft Windows.
  • WIN + UP and WIN + DOWN to snap your windows side-by-side vertically.

 

Open Task View

  • WIN + TAB goes from displaying a nice visual effect to an essential new Task View. Once you tap the key combination, you’ll be able to let the buttons go and choose between open programs in your current virtual environment.
  • ALT + TAB is the same as before, except you can switch between programs from any desktop.
  • WIN + CTRL + D to create a new virtual desktop environment.
  • WIN + CTRL + F4 to close your active desktop.
  • WIN + CTRL + LEFT/RIGHT to toggle between your open desktops.

 

Open Settings App

  • WIN + C allows Microsoft Cortana to listen to commands and search the internet.
  • WIN + I opens the Settings app which is a modern version of Control Panel.

 

Navigate Command Prompt

Windows 10 has some long-awaited shortcuts that make using the command prompt much more user-friendly. Instead of having to right click and choose Paste, you’ll finally be able to use CTRL shortcuts to edit text when on the command line.

  • CTRL + C to copy text, CTRL + V to paste text, and CTRL + A to select everything on the console window.
  • SHIFT + Arrows to move the cursor and select text; up and down move one line, while left and right move one character at a time.
  • CTRL + SHIFT + Arrows will move one word at a time. Keep holding down SHIFT to select more text.
  • SHIFT + HOME/END will move the cursor to the start/end of the line, selecting all text on that line.
  • SHIFT + PAGE UP/DOWN scrolls the cursor by a whole screen and selects the text on the page.
  • CTRL + UP/DOWN lets you scroll one line at a time.
  • CTRL + PAGE UP/DOWN moves a whole page up or down.
  • CTRL + M lets you enter a “marking mode” to mark text.

 

Browser Shortcuts

No matter if you are using Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Microsoft Edge (Internet Explorer), these keyboard shortcuts will allow you to get around with less clicks.

  • CTRL + 1-8 will switch instantly to that numbered tab.
  • CTRL + 9 jumps to the last tab even if you have way too many tabs open.
  • CTRL + T will open a new tab so you can instantly start typing a search term after using this shortcut.
  • CTRL + SHIFT + T makes it reappear in a flash.
  • CTRL + Left Click it to open it in a new tab.
  • ALT + LEFT will go back and ALT + RIGHT goes forward if applicable.
  • ALT + HOME will bring you back home.

 

Is your business ready for Windows 10 and can your IT infrastructure handle it?

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365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure maximum uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Want to see the difference true IT consulting management experience can make?

Engage in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Why does your business need outsourced CIO services?

Large companies have the budget and resources for a full time CIO but smaller companies are limited.  Find out why your business needs outsourced CIO services and how to select the right IT partner.

Companies rely CIOs (Chief Information Officer) for their expertise and experience to develop proper IT strategies, IT budgets and proper IT investments.  Smaller companies do not have the budget for a full time CIO however many managed IT services providers provide outsourced CIO services to clients so they too can have the same advantage as their larger competitors.

 

What advantages does outsourced CIO Services give your business?

Outsourced CIO will ensure your company is using the right technology to increase profitability and productivity. The outsourced CIO will also ensure you have a solid and predictable IT budget including return on investment (ROI).

  • An outsourced CIO will provide analysis and guidance to achieve business goals and success.
  • An outsourced CIO will focus on proactive adoption of cost-effective proven technology IT solutions to improve company productivity and profitability.
  • An outsourced CIO will collect and provide analysis of business data to understand the current state of your business and how new trends in the industry can help company finances, productivity, efficiency and profitability.
  • An outsourced CIO will provide guidance on strategic IT investments and IT budgeting.
  • An outsourced CIO will proactively plan and budget for long-term IT strategies to maximize your company investment into IT and the impact on business operations.
  • An outsourced CIO will provide regular scheduled reviews of your company goals, IT strategy and provide a plan to new IT solutions to improve productivity and streamline operations.

 

Want to see how outsourced CIO Services will bring your business to the next level?

 

outsourced cio services

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Enroll in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

 

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What is Proactive Managed IT Services?

What is proactive Managed IT Services and how does it help your business? Find out how managed services can help your business and how to select the right partner.

Companies know that technology is complex and expensive in today’s competitive market. Unfortunately, many companies cannot predict or budget their monthly IT support services costs. Here is the good news, Proactive managed IT services handles this and gives your predictive monthly IT budgets costs.

How do you select the right Managed IT Services provider for all your IT support and services?

  • Ensure they offer service and support plans for a flat monthly fee.
  • Ensure they are able to provide you an easy IT budget and road map of future projects.
  • Ensure they provide preventative maintenance and monitoring to tech support issues.
  • Ensure they offer vendor management services to procure the right products for your business.
  • Ensure they have experience working within your industry manufacturing, construction, healthcare, etc.
  • Ensure they provide 24/7/365 Help Desk IT support services for your company.
  • Ensure they use remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools to provide remote support and limited onsite technical support services.
  • Ensure they use professional services automation (PSA) tools to automate your network resulting in maximum uptime plus and increase in productivity and profitability.

Want to see the difference experience can make when selecting a Managed IT Services partner?

proactive managed services toronto

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Enroll in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Top Employee Productivity Killers Released in Survey

Ever wonder what are the top employee productivity killers?  A recently released survey has shown the top 10 employee productivity killers.

The national survey was released by CareerBuilder and it included a representative sample of 2,175 hiring and human resource managers across industries and company sizes.  Some think it maybe distractions such as email, social media, or the personal problems of employees but the survey revealed some real issues of what the distractions are in the work environment.

  1. 52% – Cellphones, smart devices & texting
  2. 44% – Internet browsing
  3. 37% – Office Gossip
  4. 36% – Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  5. 31% – Email management
  6. 27% – Coworkers chatting in the office
  7. 26% – Meetings
  8. 27% – Snack and cigarette breaks
  9. 17% – Loud coworkers
  10. 10% – Sitting in a cubicle

 

Why are these Employee Productivity Killers important?

Unfortunately these distractions may cause some issues for organizations. This may result in lower quality of work, dissatisfied employees who have to pick up the slack of lower performers, missed or delayed deadlines, loss of productivity and loss profitability.

 

So how do you prevent these Employee Productivity Killers?

There are many ways to handle some of the issues above but most would be best handled by a human resources professional so they may increase employee productivity.

On a technical side, your managed IT services provider or tech support services department can help. While smart devices are everywhere, many companies give employees access to their wireless network. Not only can this be a security threat but it also gives the employees unlimited internet.

Internet browsing can be proactively managed by installing commercial firewalls and contact management systems to limit what is available to users.  You can also create groups that can allow executives full access while reducing access for others.

Email tends to be over whelming if you do not have the right corporate email management and spam protection. If employees are spending time trying to filter through junk and spam, have your IT department or IT technical support firm review your current infrastructure and secure it from the endless amounts of spam.

 

Is your technology helping your employees be more productive?

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As business partners with our clients, 365 iT SOLUTIONS helps clients achieve real results and business goals. As Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm, we offer industry leading proactive Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Is your business technology allowing you to be productive? Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Attention Android Users, “Stagefright” Vulnerability Risk

With over 1 billion Android devices, a security firm has shown how a simple vulnerability could affect over 95 percent of Android devices.

The “Stagefright” vulnerability for Android phones exploits via a simple text message giving the cyber criminals full access to your device.  The bad news is most phones will not be patched anytime soon as manufacturers work on closing this security hole.

Unfortunately Android software has been susceptible to security flaws for years as it is an open design compared to Apple’s iOS.

 

How do I protect myself from Stagefright vulnerability?

If you’re using Google Hangouts as your default SMS client, you need to disable automatic downloading of media files sent via MMS.

To disable Auto Retrieve MMS in the default SMS client on the Samsung Galaxy S6, go to:

  • Messages app
  • More
  • Settings
  • More settings
  • Multimedia messages
  • Auto retrieve

By disabling Auto Retrieve MMS, you will partially mitigate this vulnerability until an official patch release.

 

What is your Mobile Device Management (MDM) company policy?

proactive managed services toronto

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS provides its clients with real uptime, productivity and profitability. As Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm, we offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Is your business protected? Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!