Making Sense of Cloud Storage
Welcome to this month’s tech news. Here you will find:
- Making Sense of Cloud Storage: Say Goodbye to Lost Files!
- Microsoft: What’s new?
- Tech Facts: did you know?
- Q & A: what everyone’s asking
- Quiz Time: test your team!
Enjoy the read, and remember to give us a call if you have any IT concerns – we’re here to help!
Making Sense of Cloud Storage
Losing important files due to a computer crash or struggling to find the latest version of a document can be frustrating.
Cloud storage offers a solution by keeping your files secure, organised, and accessible from anywhere.
Instead of saving files on a single device, cloud storage allows data to be stored online, making it easy to retrieve whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or on the go.
Why Businesses Use It
Many businesses rely on cloud storage for its convenience and efficiency:
- Seamless Collaboration: Teams can work on shared files without version confusion or endless email attachments.
- Automatic Backups: Files are protected from accidental loss due to hardware failures or mishaps.
- Scalability: Storage can be adjusted as needed, without the need for additional physical hardware.
Considerations Before Making the Move
While cloud storage has many benefits, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Internet Dependence: A stable internet connection is required to access files.
- Ongoing Costs: Most providers operate on a subscription basis, so budgeting is important.
- Security Measures: Selecting a provider with strong encryption and access controls is essential for data protection.
Choosing the Right Solution
Different types of cloud storage cater to various needs:
- Public Cloud (e.g., Microsoft Azure): A cost-effective and user-friendly option.
- Private Cloud: Provides more control and security, ideal for businesses handling sensitive information.
- Hybrid Cloud: Combines elements of both public and private cloud for flexibility.
As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, cloud storage is becoming an essential tool for efficiency and security. Understanding your options can help you make the right choice for your needs. Get in touch and we’ll discuss your options.
What’s new to Microsoft?
Microsoft’s ditching a BILLION passwords
Microsoft’s trying to persuade a billion people to ditch passwords – and switch to passkeys instead. What’s a passkey? It’s like a super-secure digital key that lives on your device, making it way harder for cyber criminals to get their hands on your login details. Plus, it’s easier to use – no more struggling to remember complicated passwords. This change is all about keeping your accounts safer and making logging in a whole lot simpler.
Large events can run more smoothly in Teams
A new feature has arrived on Microsoft Teams that enhances large events using the Town Hall and webinar capabilities. This makes them even easier to use. Organisers can now assign presenters as Q&A moderators. Moderators can handle questions during the event, choosing which ones to publish and making the Q&A flow more smoothly. Plus, organisers can tweak the list of moderators anytime – even in the middle of the event.
Did you know?
Tech Facts:
- Researchers have developed miniature, Lego-like 3D-printed bone bricks that can heal broken bones. These tiny blocks, about the size of a flea, help bone regrowth and can be interlocked, just like the toy bricks.
- The version of Super Mario Bros. 2 that we know in the West is a rebranded version of a Japanese game called “Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic,” modified to suit Western audiences.
- In the early 2000s, tech enthusiasts could boost AMD processors’ speeds (called overclocking) with a pencil. Drawing over tiny circuits on the chip with graphite reconnected them, unlocking faster performance. It was a clever hack, but risky – one mistake could damage the processor or void its warranty.
Q & A
Q: What should I do if I suspect we’ve been hit by a cyber attack?
A: Disconnect the devices you think have been affected and get in touch with your IT support team (if you have one – call us if not). Create an incident response plan, just in case.
Q: Is it OK to use free software in my business?
A: Free software can be risky; invest in reputable tools to give you better security and reliability. If you’re not sure what tools are best, we can help.
Q: How can I tell if my computer has been compromised?
A: Look for signs like slow performance, unusual pop-ups, or unauthorised access to accounts or new admins. If you’re concerned, get in touch.
Time for a Tech Quiz!
- What was the name of the first interactive computer graphics program?
- What do you call a private network designed to allow communication within a business?
- What are “computer trojans”?
- What does the acronym FTP stand for?
- How many bits are in one byte?
See answers below
Until next time,
The GZD team
Quiz answers:
1. Sketchpad. 2. Intranet.
3. Malicious programs disguised as harmless files to trick you into installing them.
4. File Transfer Protocol. 5. 8.
