Month: September 2017

Categories
Casserly Consulting Blog

Tip of the Week: Miss The Start Menu From Windows 8? Here’s How To Bring It Back

start_menu_tips_400.jpg

Remember how when Windows 8 came out, it had that slick tiled Start screen? If you are one of the people who miss that interface, you are in luck. While Windows 10 returned the nostalgia of the traditional Start menu, you can emulate the experience of Windows 8’s tiled screen relatively easily in Windows 10.

First thing’s first–open your Start menu and select the Settings icon. This is the gear-shaped one. Alternatively, you can simply use the Windows key and the I key for a keyboard shortcut. Next, you’ll want to navigate to Personalization > Start. You should see the option for Use Start full screen. Once you’ve turned on this setting, your Start menu should open into the full-screen mode.

While it doesn’t quite look exactly like its Windows 8 counterpart, it has some similar functionality built into it. You’ll see icons for all of the usual suspects, including apps that you use on a regular basis, and icons for opening up various menus. You’ll also be able to see your pinned tiles in an easy way. Another note is that this can actually make navigation a little bit easier if you are using Windows 10 on your tablet.

If you want to just use the normal Start menu and change the size of it without going full-size, you can do that as well. Just open your Start menu and click on the edge. You can click and drag your Start menu to suit your specific size needs. You’ll see more tiles depending on how large you make it.

Speaking of Windows 8, are you still using it for your business’s needs? If so, you should really consider upgrading to Windows 10. If your business is struggling to implement the latest and greatest software solutions, or you just want all of the best tips and tricks, reach out to COMPANYNAME at PHONENUMBER.

Categories
Casserly Consulting Blog

Your Guide To Mobile Device Management as an SMB

mobile_device_management_400.jpg

The use of mobile and personal devices for work purposes can be beneficial to your business operations. When handled, and supported properly, they have been shown to improve communication methods and increase productivity. However, the popularity of mobile computing, as well as the Internet of Things’ rapid expansion, means it’s more important than ever to make sure that you don’t allow dangerous devices to access your network. To keep your network safe, there are a few Mobile Device Management best practices that you should begin enforcing.

Define Acceptable Devices and Limitations: To prevent the abuse of your network, it’s a good idea to define which type of devices are allowed. Even though there have been some improvements in IoT security, many devices still have no defense and put your network at risk when connected. A good way to protect your data and network is to only allow network access to devices that can be used in a professional capacity.

Of course, there is also a distraction-factor when there is an excessive use of these devices – even if they’re technically allowed. For example, if you have several employees with smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearable devices that are all constantly sending and receiving data, the likelihood of interruption increases and productivity decreases. Consider limiting the number of devices per person that are allowed to access your network at one time.

Develop Access Policy: One of the biggest reasons for data loss is accidental human error. To make your employees aware of the dangers of abusing the use of mobile devices on your network, it’s a good idea to create a policy that makes them aware of their role. The policy should include password requirements, antivirus expectations, privacy terms, data loss security reporting process, and even things like penalties of texting and driving while using a company device.

Mobile Device Management Solutions: To take that extra step beyond developing/enforcing a policy regarding the use of mobile devices, a mobile device management solution (MDM) gives your company more control over mobile devices on your network. MDM applications enforce proper use, as well as requiring maintenance and security patches to be up-to-date. Many of these MDM solutions have the ability to remotely wipe data from the device in the event it’s lost or stolen.

Studies show that employees who are allowed to use their personal mobile devices for work are more satisfied with their job. Smartphones and mobile devices are a permanent part of business technology and can’t be ignored. With the constant threat of cybercrime, SMBs need to be vigilant about allowing only authorized users to connect mobile devices on their network. Questions on keeping your network safe or if an MDM solution is right for you? Contact us at PHONENUMBER.

Categories
Casserly Consulting Blog

Microsoft Word Makes Collaboration Easier With Co-Authorship

microsoft_office_collaboration_400.jpg

Does your workforce have the option of working together on a document in Microsoft Word? This type of collaboration is something that is much desired in business today. One of the best ways to take advantage of this collaboration is through Microsoft Office 365’s built-in sharing features, which allow your workforce to work together on various initiatives.

Cooperate and Collaborate
If you need multiple users to access the same document, you can use Microsoft Office 365 to allow for it. You can review and edit documents in real time, but before doing so, you need to allow access to these documents by your staff. 

First, open a new document in Word 2016 or Word Online. Once you’ve done so, select Share, and then Save to cloud. You can share the document in OneDrive or in a SharePoint Online location. Once you press Save, you’ll be able to share your document. Just select the Share panel and you’ll have several options for doing so. You can select Invite people to summon additional assistance from others in your organization, or Get a sharing link to send the invite out through email or instant message.

Once the invitations are sent and accepted, your team can then access the Word document and make changes. If you allow these changes to be made automatically, everyone will be able to see them as they happen.

Communication is Critical
You can’t have collaboration without communication. There are plenty of solutions available that help your business keep in touch while working together on a project. Microsoft Office 365 has a leg up on the competition because of its built-in integration with Skype for Business, allowing you to send messages or talk to anyone while working in a document.

Word also keeps a complete record of any changes made to your document so that you always have access to various versions of your documents. This makes it quite an excellent way to see who has made which changes, and when. Of course, the best collaboration happens when your workforce knows the endgame of the project, and they can then work toward a common goal moving forward.

In fact, many of these features are also available in other Microsoft products, including Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

Which of these features do you use most often in Office 365? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more great tips and tricks.