While people are staying home and practicing social distancing, remote work apps have stepped up to help people make the transition to working from home.
Microsoft Teams, a digital work space for businesses, is one of these apps. Teams is introducing new features to compete with Zoom, according to CRN.
Teams, which has been offering audio/video meetings, now also includes the following:
Custom backgrounds
An “end meeting” button
The following features are planned for a later release:
Gallery view for video calls
A “raise hand” feature which allows users to send a visual cue when they want to speak
Noise suppression
Other Teams features include group chats, instant messaging, and file sharing. Teams also has a more efficient screen sharing system from Zoom that doesn’t require users to share tabs and windows separately.
Yottability is offering calls through Teams for customers who sign up with a PBX (telephone system) plan. To learn more about Yottability’s Teams offerings, click here.
https://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/two-people-on-laptop.jpeg12541880yottaadminhttps://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Yotta-300x80.pngyottaadmin2020-04-14 21:38:112020-04-14 21:43:52New Features on Microsoft Teams
Like many companies, Yottability has been closely monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its potential impact to our people, communities and our valued customers.
Due to the increase in companies requiring their employees to work remotely, we wanted to highlight some of our services that can keep your business running during this uncertain time. Rest assured we have many different certifications that make us qualified to help your needs in this unprecedented time. We have been helping the community work remotely since 2010, this is not new to us.
Remote Phone Service:
Yottability’s hosted PBX phone service is a VoIP phone system that is cost effective, quick to install and can keep your business connected.
When paired with our Mobile application you can make calls from your cell phone or computer using your office phone number, and SMS from your company phone number, keeping your team and customers connected, even while working remotely.
In light of the current situation, we are currently offering any new additional licenses of the “Standard Version” of the Mobile Application for FREE to our hosted PBX customers through the month of May 2020 in hope that it can keep businesses connected.
Remote Computer and / or VPN Access:
Yottability has been setting up businesses and schools since 2010 with remote access. We follow best practices to make sure your organization is safe and secure.
Through May 2020, new and existing customers we are offering remote and/or VPN setups at a low flat rate and some cases FREE.
Support Team:
Yottability has the ability to help your organization and your individual employees remotely. Our tools allow us to assist in virtually almost any situation. Printer configuration, allowing remote access, process walkthrough, training and much more. Call today for affordable flat rate pricing.
Remote File Sharing and Hosted Email:
Share your files safely within your organization or securely with external users. Yottability has many platforms and different ways to do this. If assistance is needed we are here to help.
Additionally if you need help with email setup or moving your email to a secure hosted platform, Yottability is authorized Cloud Service Provider that can get you fully setup remotely.
https://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/open.jpeg12531880yottaadminhttps://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Yotta-300x80.pngyottaadmin2020-03-25 19:31:252020-04-14 21:39:13Yottability is OPEN and here to HELP
Cyber attacks and cyber threats have been on the rise as more and more people are working remotely during the coronavirus crisis, according to CNBC.
Many meetings and gatherings have moved to Zoom video calls, which have now been susceptible to attacks called “ZoomBombing.” These attacks hijack the screensharing feature to play graphic videos.
TechCrunch recommends the following safety measures to protect your Zoom calls:
Disable “Join Before Host” so only you have control of the call.
Disable “File Transfer” to prevent viruses.
Disable “Allow Removed Participants to Rejoin” to keep booted attendees out of the call.
Cybersecurity is important now more than ever. Businesses need to be protected from security breeches, and a good cybersecurity system provides a strong line of defense and works to prevent and take down cyber attacks.
Yottability is here to help protect and secure your data from cyber threats.
We provide firewall maintenance and support to block certain network traffic and prevent the spread of computer attacks. We also provide “anti” software, which prevents and destroys viruses and malware.
https://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cybersecurity.jpeg22503375yottaadminhttps://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Yotta-300x80.pngyottaadmin2020-03-25 18:11:162020-04-14 21:40:17Cyber Attacks Increase During COVID-19 Crisis
Protecting your devices from cyber threats doesn’t always have to involve a complete tech overhaul. Simple changes can make a big difference.
1. Make strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
This task is actually easier than it seems if you have a system for creating passwords, like this Forbes article explains. You could also try using a password manager to keep track of all your passwords.
2. Learn to recognize and avoid email scams.
The easiest way to prevent phishing attacks is to double-check the spelling of sender addresses and URLs in any emails you receive. Also pay attention to the email’s content. Does the offer/inquiry/request seem too good to be true? It probably is!
3. Be safe with your social media accounts.
Monitor them for activity that seems suspicious. Any evidence of posts/messages/etc you didn’t create is likely a sign you’ve been hacked. Also, be careful to not share too much personal information. Hackers could get access to much more than your basic info depending on what you post.
4. Delete the recordings on your digital assistants.
Enjoy using digital assistants but want to keep your information private? Deleting the recordings made by devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This ensures that your data stays yours.
5. Make sure to do your “sensitive browsing” on secure devices and connections.
Sensitive browsing includes activities such as banking, shopping, or filling out confidential documents. Do these on devices you own and on locked WiFi networks to prevent third parties from getting access to your information.
Windows 7 will be reaching its end of life phase on January 14, 2020, meaning “Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs” running on all versions of Windows 7. (source)
Users must upgrade or replace their devices to transition to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home, which requires the following minimum specs according to Laptop Mag:
Processor: 1GHz process or faster
Memory: 1GB of RAM for a 32-bit installation and 2GB of RAM for a 64-bit installation
Hard Disk Space: Up to 20GB of space
Graphics Card: A screen with a resolution of 800 by 600 or higher, and a DirectX 9 graphics chip
In some cases, it is less expensive and more efficient to purchase a new machine than to upgrade a machine to have these specs.
Devices running on Windows 7 will still work after end of life, but they will be vulnerable to security threats, and Microsoft will provide no technical support, no software updates, and no security updates. It is the company’s way of moving all users over to Windows 10.
Keeping Windows 7 may also make devices more difficult to use because app developers may stop supporting it, according to Laptop Mag.
Yottability is filling up on appointments before January 14, 2020 for upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Contact us today at (818) 975-0058 or at customerservice@yottability.com to schedule an appointment.
https://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/windows7.jpg6811024yottaadminhttps://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Yotta-300x80.pngyottaadmin2019-11-19 23:15:112020-04-14 21:39:13Windows 7 End of Life
While there are countless tech and business articles praising 5G, there are also articles listing the harms that it could bring. But is this fear of 5G rational?
One concern people have about 5G is its health effects.
The potential damage brought by radio frequency radiation (RFR) has been feared since the dawn of cellphone use. This fear has partially been fueled by the World Heath Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), who categorize RFR as “possibly carcinogenic”. However, as pointed out by an article in Digital Trends, the IARC also “puts coffee and talc-based body powder in the same ‘possibly carcinogenic’ category.”
Another reason people believe RFR is harmful is one 2018 study done by the National Toxicology Program, which found that high levels of RFR exposure caused brain tumors in rats. Naturally, people interpreted these findings as meaning that cell phones cause cancer. However, the study itself states that the effects on rat and mice “cannot be directly applied to humans” because the RF levels used were much higher than cell phone radiation, and the animals’ entire bodies were exposed to the radiation (as opposed to human RFR exposure only affecting the parts of our bodies holding cell phones). In fact, the study also states that the effects of 2G and 3G radiation used “do not apply to 4G or 5G technologies”.
However, other reports argue that 5G will bring harmful radiation exposure. In 2017, a group of European scientists and doctors released The 5G Appeal, calling for the EU to “halt the roll out of 5G due to serious potential health effects from this new technology”. The number of signatures on the appeal has continued to increase since its release.
The 5G Appeal cites a 2017 study by BioMed Research International that found that increased exposure to wireless phones increased subjects’ risk for glioma, a type of brain tumor. It concluded that RFR should be classified as carcinogenic.
Furthermore, because 5G requires the creation of more antennas, it will lead to more RFR exposure. The appeal asks that the health risks of 5G be evaluated by “impartial EMF-and-health scientists”. It concludes by urging the EU to stick to wired telecommunication.
The European Commission has rejected the appeal, stating that the effects of 5G will not nearly be as harmful as the appeal claims.
Scientists can’t seem to agree on the effects of RFR, according to Wired. It is then up to the discretion of consumers to decide how they feel about 5G when it is released.
https://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/person-holding-phone.jpeg13001588yottaadminhttps://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Yotta-300x80.pngyottaadmin2019-07-22 23:34:322020-04-14 21:39:13On the Fear of 5G
This year marks the 22nd annual Earth Day, and there are countless things to do to help the planet. Within tech, eco-friendly actions include reducing E-waste, using less paper, and turning off devices.
https://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/robot-on-desk-1.jpeg13001332yottaadminhttps://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Yotta-300x80.pngyottaadmin2019-03-28 14:32:422020-04-14 21:39:13Creating an Artificial Intelligence Strategy For Your Business
The prospect of 5G service, the fastest wireless internet connection that devices have ever seen, has consumers and businesses alike buzzing with excitement. But what exactly is 5G?
https://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/5g-logo.jpg19003050yottaadminhttps://yottability.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Yotta-300x80.pngyottaadmin2019-03-07 14:46:392020-04-14 21:39:13What is 5G?
With 275 million monthly users, Twitter has become a titan in the social media and greater digital marketing space. People regularly get their news and interact with celebrities on Twitter, and recent years have shown a rise in companies using Twitter to increase brand awareness and to run advertisements.
The main challenge with running a Twitter account for your business lies in the balance between maintaining an audience and being true to your brand. Here are three basic corporate Twitter mistakes to avoid.
New Features on Microsoft Teams
/in Tech News /by yottaadminWhile people are staying home and practicing social distancing, remote work apps have stepped up to help people make the transition to working from home.
Microsoft Teams, a digital work space for businesses, is one of these apps. Teams is introducing new features to compete with Zoom, according to CRN.
Teams, which has been offering audio/video meetings, now also includes the following:
The following features are planned for a later release:
Other Teams features include group chats, instant messaging, and file sharing. Teams also has a more efficient screen sharing system from Zoom that doesn’t require users to share tabs and windows separately.
Yottability is offering calls through Teams for customers who sign up with a PBX (telephone system) plan. To learn more about Yottability’s Teams offerings, click here.
Yottability is OPEN and here to HELP
/in Uncategorized /by yottaadminDear Valued Customers,
Like many companies, Yottability has been closely monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its potential impact to our people, communities and our valued customers.
Due to the increase in companies requiring their employees to work remotely, we wanted to highlight some of our services that can keep your business running during this uncertain time. Rest assured we have many different certifications that make us qualified to help your needs in this unprecedented time. We have been helping the community work remotely since 2010, this is not new to us.
Remote Phone Service:
Yottability’s hosted PBX phone service is a VoIP phone system that is cost effective, quick to install and can keep your business connected.
When paired with our Mobile application you can make calls from your cell phone or computer using your office phone number, and SMS from your company phone number, keeping your team and customers connected, even while working remotely.
In light of the current situation, we are currently offering any new additional licenses of the “Standard Version” of the Mobile Application for FREE to our hosted PBX customers through the month of May 2020 in hope that it can keep businesses connected.
Remote Computer and / or VPN Access:
Yottability has been setting up businesses and schools since 2010 with remote access. We follow best practices to make sure your organization is safe and secure.
Through May 2020, new and existing customers we are offering remote and/or VPN setups at a low flat rate and some cases FREE.
Support Team:
Yottability has the ability to help your organization and your individual employees remotely. Our tools allow us to assist in virtually almost any situation. Printer configuration, allowing remote access, process walkthrough, training and much more. Call today for affordable flat rate pricing.
Remote File Sharing and Hosted Email:
Share your files safely within your organization or securely with external users. Yottability has many platforms and different ways to do this. If assistance is needed we are here to help.
Additionally if you need help with email setup or moving your email to a secure hosted platform, Yottability is authorized Cloud Service Provider that can get you fully setup remotely.
Cyber Attacks Increase During COVID-19 Crisis
/in Tech News /by yottaadminCyber attacks and cyber threats have been on the rise as more and more people are working remotely during the coronavirus crisis, according to CNBC.
Many meetings and gatherings have moved to Zoom video calls, which have now been susceptible to attacks called “ZoomBombing.” These attacks hijack the screensharing feature to play graphic videos.
TechCrunch recommends the following safety measures to protect your Zoom calls:
Cybersecurity is important now more than ever. Businesses need to be protected from security breeches, and a good cybersecurity system provides a strong line of defense and works to prevent and take down cyber attacks.
Yottability is here to help protect and secure your data from cyber threats.
We provide firewall maintenance and support to block certain network traffic and prevent the spread of computer attacks. We also provide “anti” software, which prevents and destroys viruses and malware.
5 Cyber Security Tips
/in Tech Tips /by yottaadminProtecting your devices from cyber threats doesn’t always have to involve a complete tech overhaul. Simple changes can make a big difference.
1. Make strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
This task is actually easier than it seems if you have a system for creating passwords, like this Forbes article explains. You could also try using a password manager to keep track of all your passwords.
2. Learn to recognize and avoid email scams.
The easiest way to prevent phishing attacks is to double-check the spelling of sender addresses and URLs in any emails you receive. Also pay attention to the email’s content. Does the offer/inquiry/request seem too good to be true? It probably is!
3. Be safe with your social media accounts.
Monitor them for activity that seems suspicious. Any evidence of posts/messages/etc you didn’t create is likely a sign you’ve been hacked. Also, be careful to not share too much personal information. Hackers could get access to much more than your basic info depending on what you post.
4. Delete the recordings on your digital assistants.
Enjoy using digital assistants but want to keep your information private? Deleting the recordings made by devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This ensures that your data stays yours.
5. Make sure to do your “sensitive browsing” on secure devices and connections.
Sensitive browsing includes activities such as banking, shopping, or filling out confidential documents. Do these on devices you own and on locked WiFi networks to prevent third parties from getting access to your information.
Windows 7 End of Life
/in Tech News /by yottaadminWindows 7 will be reaching its end of life phase on January 14, 2020, meaning “Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs” running on all versions of Windows 7. (source)
Users must upgrade or replace their devices to transition to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home, which requires the following minimum specs according to Laptop Mag:
In some cases, it is less expensive and more efficient to purchase a new machine than to upgrade a machine to have these specs.
Devices running on Windows 7 will still work after end of life, but they will be vulnerable to security threats, and Microsoft will provide no technical support, no software updates, and no security updates. It is the company’s way of moving all users over to Windows 10.
Keeping Windows 7 may also make devices more difficult to use because app developers may stop supporting it, according to Laptop Mag.
For more information regarding Windows 7 end of support specifically, visit the Microsoft end of support FAQ.
Yottability is filling up on appointments before January 14, 2020 for upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Contact us today at (818) 975-0058 or at customerservice@yottability.com to schedule an appointment.
On the Fear of 5G
/in Tech Explained /by yottaadminWhile there are countless tech and business articles praising 5G, there are also articles listing the harms that it could bring. But is this fear of 5G rational?
One concern people have about 5G is its health effects.
The potential damage brought by radio frequency radiation (RFR) has been feared since the dawn of cellphone use. This fear has partially been fueled by the World Heath Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), who categorize RFR as “possibly carcinogenic”. However, as pointed out by an article in Digital Trends, the IARC also “puts coffee and talc-based body powder in the same ‘possibly carcinogenic’ category.”
Another reason people believe RFR is harmful is one 2018 study done by the National Toxicology Program, which found that high levels of RFR exposure caused brain tumors in rats. Naturally, people interpreted these findings as meaning that cell phones cause cancer. However, the study itself states that the effects on rat and mice “cannot be directly applied to humans” because the RF levels used were much higher than cell phone radiation, and the animals’ entire bodies were exposed to the radiation (as opposed to human RFR exposure only affecting the parts of our bodies holding cell phones). In fact, the study also states that the effects of 2G and 3G radiation used “do not apply to 4G or 5G technologies”.
However, other reports argue that 5G will bring harmful radiation exposure. In 2017, a group of European scientists and doctors released The 5G Appeal, calling for the EU to “halt the roll out of 5G due to serious potential health effects from this new technology”. The number of signatures on the appeal has continued to increase since its release.
The 5G Appeal cites a 2017 study by BioMed Research International that found that increased exposure to wireless phones increased subjects’ risk for glioma, a type of brain tumor. It concluded that RFR should be classified as carcinogenic.
Furthermore, because 5G requires the creation of more antennas, it will lead to more RFR exposure. The appeal asks that the health risks of 5G be evaluated by “impartial EMF-and-health scientists”. It concludes by urging the EU to stick to wired telecommunication.
The European Commission has rejected the appeal, stating that the effects of 5G will not nearly be as harmful as the appeal claims.
Scientists can’t seem to agree on the effects of RFR, according to Wired. It is then up to the discretion of consumers to decide how they feel about 5G when it is released.
Eco-friendly Tech Tips
/in Tech Tips /by yottaadminThis year marks the 22nd annual Earth Day, and there are countless things to do to help the planet. Within tech, eco-friendly actions include reducing E-waste, using less paper, and turning off devices.
Read moreCreating an Artificial Intelligence Strategy For Your Business
/in Tech Tips /by yottaadminTo garner success, businesses must develop artificial intelligence plans. Regardless of how you feel about the robot uprising, AI is here to stay.
Read moreWhat is 5G?
/in Tech Explained /by yottaadminThe prospect of 5G service, the fastest wireless internet connection that devices have ever seen, has consumers and businesses alike buzzing with excitement. But what exactly is 5G?
Read more3 Twitter Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
/in Social Media Marketing /by yottaadminWith 275 million monthly users, Twitter has become a titan in the social media and greater digital marketing space. People regularly get their news and interact with celebrities on Twitter, and recent years have shown a rise in companies using Twitter to increase brand awareness and to run advertisements.
The main challenge with running a Twitter account for your business lies in the balance between maintaining an audience and being true to your brand. Here are three basic corporate Twitter mistakes to avoid.
Read more