New features of Windows 8.1 |
The most popular operating system (OS) in the world is Microsoft’s Windows. The latest version of Windows – Windows 8 – was released in October of 2012, and has been slowly adopted by companies and users alike. With the release of this new OS, Microsoft stated that they would move to a yearly update schedule, the first of which – Windows 8.1 – has recently been announced. Here is a brief overview of the new features and changes that will be introduced in Windows 8.1. What exactly is Windows 8.1? Windows 8.1 brings a number of minor changes to the Windows 8 system that have been designed to improve the user experience, without changing the whole system. It is best to think of this, and subsequent yearly updates, as a refreshing of the current OS. The update release should be sometime in the fall of this year, likely in late October. Microsoft has stated that there will be no cost to upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1, however the price to upgrade from older systems has not been publicly announced. If you have Windows 8, you may be curious as to what the impending update will bring. Here are five that business users will benefit from: 1. An update to Tiles This will give users better control over the layout and look of their desktop, which is welcome news for those users who like to tinker and customize. 2. A new All Programs menu The All Programs menu has also been revamped a bit. You will be able to filter programs by name, date added, most used or category. This will make finding your programs far easier. 3. Start button is back 4. Search is being updated 5. Multiple monitor support The ‘snapping’ of apps and programs will also be updated to be variable, so that you can select how much space each program takes up on your screen. You will also be able to have multiple windows of the same program open at the same time, something which should please users who like to use multiple browser windows. You will be able to have them open side-by side. When can I get Windows 8.1? Another reason not to upgrade is that the Preview edition may have bugs and may not be fully compatible with existing systems in your business. What we recommend is that you wait until the official release of 8.1, which should be sometime in late fall. If you are interested in learning more about Windows 8.1 in your business, please contact us today. |
5 ergonomic tips for your desk |
Regardless of the fast pace of technology or perhaps because of it, we are spending an ever increasing amount of time in the office, at our desks. While this has its upsides, with multi-functioning workspaces, there are downsides that could pose serious risks to not only your productivity but your health. In order to stave off potential health risks that come with sitting all day, it is a good idea to look into the ergonomics of your desk, and whether any improvements can be made. |
5 personal reputation management tips |
Corporate reputation is the focus of almost every business manager and owner. They know that if the reputation of the business suffers a negative blow, they could see lost business, profits, or worse. What they often fail to take into account though, is that their personal online reputation may be just as important, especially if they are the face of the business. Do you take steps to manage your reputation? |
Four apps to help boost productivity |
Productivity is without a doubt one of the more popular technology buzzwords nowadays. Business owners, managers and employees all seem to be striving to increase their productivity but may not know the best way to go about doing so. One way could be leveraging technology, more specifically, apps, to help improve efficiency. |
How to protect your Word documents |
There are many tools that business owners and managers have at their disposal that enable them to do their jobs more effectively. One of the most important is the word processor, with the most popular being Microsoft Word. Word is favored because of the multitude of features available for users. There are many features that often go unused however, one being the ability to protect documents and set who can access and edit your documents. |