Technology Headlines
The following articles are hand selected to bring awareness of top issues that impact small to mid-sized businesses as well as individuals as it relates to technology, devices, user habits, service providers, and guidelines. The articles selected are easy to read and understand intended for a typical user of technology. Our goal is to educate, change habits, and keep you informed as technology and vendor offerings change.
Articles:
May 19, 2017
WannaCry Attack - was this unintended consequence of the US Government
A virus known as WannaCry exploited a security flaw in Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. The vulnerability was originally discovered by the National Security Agency (NSA) to spy on users. While Microsoft had released a fix for the bug in March, many users had not updated their software.
Microsoft's Windows XP operating system was terminated on April 8, 2014. If you are using a computer running Windows XP we encourage you to call our office immediately to find out how to stay protected.
June 07, 2017
Beware of tech-support scams...
It works like this: The scammers contact you via phone or email claiming to be technicians with companies such as Apple or Microsoft, or send “pop-up” messages telling you that your computer has a virus or other issue they offer to fix. They may ask for remote access to your computer or try to sell you software you don’t need. They may offer free “security scans” or direct you to fake websites.
This article was written referencing the Alabama Attorney Generals office but all states have this same guidelines in which you can contact the Attorney General's Office for your specific state.
June 07, 2017
Do new features in iOS 11 make the iPad a more convincing laptop replacement
Apple has for some time now been touting the iPad as a PC replacement device for many people. Steve Jobs way back in 2010 used the cars and trucks analogy, arguing that while some would always need the power of a Mac, many would be able to do everything they needed on an iPad.
What do you say ... ?
June 07, 2017
FaceBook Live adds closed captioning support for the deaf and hard of hearing
Facebook launched its Live services in April 2016 and since then, the feature has seen incredible growth. Over the past year, Facebook says that the daily watch time for Facebook Live broadcasts has grown by more than 4x, and one in five Facebook videos is a Live broadcast. Now, with an aim to make the Live feature reach more people in the world, Facebook has not started extending video closed captioning to Live broadcasts. Facebook Live publishers can now include closed captions in their Live, helping people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
June 07, 2017
Direct TV Now will soon force computer users to stream in Google Chrome browser
If you subscribe to DirecTV NOW and you log into your account on a computer’s browser, you’ll be greeted with a message that says, in part, ‘DirecTV NOW will live exclusively on Google Chrome when accessed via your computer.’ The notice goes on to explain that the service will drop its support for Internet Explorer and Safari ‘after June.’