Top 5 Powerful Productivity Tools For Small Business Success

Productivity in the workplace can be easily stifled by the various tools we end up using for daily activities. From messaging apps to finding content stored in Dropbox or collaborating on cloud docs, the strain can become overwhelming. 

Boosting your productivity doesn't necessarily require shuffling between apps and to make any progress at work. 

If productivity is important for your work, then you could benefit from these top five amazing business tools. Become more effective at smashing daily targets and recover lost time. 

Check out our top 5 powerful productivity tools for small business success. #productivity #business #work

Windows 11: Microsoft’s brand-new operating system is here

Windows 11 signify the first major upgrade software platform and boasts crucial technology roadmap elements for business and consumers alike.

Updates from around the web indicates that Windows 11 marks the turning point of computing technology in the history of Windows on personal computers such as desktops and laptops.

With the advent of the pandemic, the nature and frequency of computing device has changed dramatically. Every business and household have witnessed a rapid transition of PCs being used for regular activities to becoming an integral part of daily lifestyle. 

More people and organizations are now using PCs and Macs for shopping, entertainment, social activities and business.

The design of Windows 11 reflects the growing drive for social changes and online interaction that is now becoming common place since 2020.

The need for increased productivity and social cohesion is one of the major factors being tackled by Microsoft in Windows 11, as it seeks to enhance user experienced within a single computing environment and digital interface.

Introducing: Windows 11

The video below of Windows 11 highlight some of the key functionalities for the many different user scenarios.

Windows 11: What’s new?

Windows 11 has a fresh interface, with a simplistic appearance packed with features and updates for increased productivity. Some of the main changes include:

Simplified start menu and taskbar that are cantered on the base of your display screen, similar to how they appear in Apple MacOS. Additionally, Windows 11 fully embraces cloud technology and Microsoft 365 - again like taking a page out of Apple's iCloud design. This makes it easy for recent files to be consistently synced and consistently displayed across devices.

Personalised widgets have now replaced the use of live tiles for news, events, weather and many other common features.

There is also the presence of snap layouts to simplify the opening of multiple windows at once. This feature enables users to adaptation for different screen sizes and efficient working.

Snap Groups facilitate historical retention of apps used which are displayed in the Taskbar similar to the grouped download used by Apple MacOS. Users can easily minimise and access group icons with a single click instead of controlling them individually.

Customisation and the creation of different desktops based on user preference or use case scenarios such as school, work, entertainment...etc.

Microsoft Teams is a native application for Windows 11 operating system, allowing computer users to easily collaborate with others from the taskbar. Outlook and the calendar app are also natively available for users for easier communication, similar to how it's done in MacOS versions.

Updates file sizes have now been reduced by 40% and run seamlessly in the background for better user experiences.

The heath check app has been revamped with notification prompts that suits the current system specs and application setup. Major changes reflected includes brightness power saving modes and screen brightness.

Users can now download Android apps, onto their Windows 11 devices via the Microsoft Store and Amazon App Store.

Gaming components have also been optimised for better performance and graphics features, including a new Game Pass app to buy and manage games.

How to download Windows 11?

There is a minimum system requirement for computers to operate on Windows 11. If you are using Windows 10, it is possible for some computers to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, especially on modern laptops and PC.

Eligible devices will be receiving regular Windows 11 upgrade notifications from Microsoft over the coming months. 

Provided your computer is meets the required specification, installing Windows 11 will not present, much challenges for you to get started. 

Like its predecessor, Windows 11 will require periodic updates to ensure optimal performance and continued system security.

It is also possible to visit the Windows 11 download page and perform a manual upgrade from Windows 10.

Support for Windows 10 will continue to be available from Microsoft until 2025. Once the cut-off date arrive, users will still be able to operate their computers as normal but will no longer receive active support or security updates. 

Hopefully by then most computers would've been changed to newer system or upgraded to Windows 11 to avoid unexpected interruptions.

Keeping Windows 11 up-to-date

One of the most important resources for keeping Windows 11 up to date is to have internet connection. Microsoft has designed their operating systems to periodically check for updates and in some cases do the initial downloads then prompt users to complete the installation and system restart where necessary. 

As a system user, you can also check for pending or optional updates available for your device and perform complete the relevant setup manually.

Additional details for Windows 11 can be obtained directly from Microsoft or Solid Rock IT UK. If you are considering upgrading your computers, laptop or other related systems simply contact us today.

Why two monitors are better than one when working from home

With many office workers now operating from home, the need for a proper workstation setup has become more important during these unprecedented times. This is a new era where it is more acceptable for office-based workers to transitioned to remote working environment.

Embracing a new home office and technology equipment setup goes beyond having a fully functional workstation, it also requires home IT users to benefit from proper ergonomics, posture and visual resources that would normally be confined to office spaces found at work.

For many users, this includes having the correct desk, chairs with arm rest and seating capabilities that support remote working activities for long hours.

The advantages of using two monitors instead of one screen also becomes crucially important, especially if as a remote working user, you are living in a small home with limited space but still need to requires focus on specific activities yet work quickly and access information that promote progressive work experiences.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of using two monitors when working from home and how this relates to common practice of using a single screen.

Does Dual Monitors Work for Business and Home Setup?

Users who often rely on two display monitors already appreciate the advantages of multiple computer screens and the value they bring to the table. However, anyone who are yet embark on this journey can easily become familiar with the new interactions and the benefits that follows.

So, what do you consider to be the practicalities of working remotely with two monitors in these unprecedented times? 

It is estimated that it takes up to two weeks to become familiar with how best to use two monitors and how best to boost your productivity and work ethics efficiency. If you are unsure how to get started with dual screen setup for your computer, why not ask our IT support company in London for help today?

The Benefits of Dual Monitors

The main benefit of using two screens is increased productivity and more display screen real-estate for easy navigation through content and applications. 

Working remotely is not the same as in the office and although customising your work space to be similar, the atmosphere element is still missing. At home, it’s easy to get distracted and lose motivation, so there has to be deliberate effort to focus on activities and having a real desire for productivity each day.

Research shows that people who use two displays will complete computer related activities in significantly less time than those who operate from a single screen monitor. This remains true across desktops and laptops. 

The act of minimising one application of file to access content can take more than a few seconds and if your attention is diverted for more than 3 minutes, then expect this time to increase to around twelve minutes easily.

The ability to work from dual monitors is a key element for maintaining focus. A typical use case of dual screen for most people is being able to have their emails open on one screen while working on documents or surfing the internet on the second display monitor - such a lovely feeling, don you think?  

Some users claim that having a second monitor enable them to collaborate with colleagues and partner in meetings, thereby increasing their communication and creative capabilities. This essential results in getting more work done in less time.

Given the evidence presented above, it is clear that the benefits of dual monitors within a remote working or office setting is priceless. In fact, it is also being bantered about in the grapevine that having a dual display setup enhances one's ability to multitask effortlessly. 

We've seen users needing to copy files between folders or different documents use the two-monitor setup to make this exercise painless. Dual screen configurations are generally more pleasant to use and mimic longstanding practices used by traders or engineering practices who use multiple displays to visualise and interact with content.

What Resources are Required for a Dual Screen Computer Configurations?

Setting up a second monitor on a computer isn't that difficult as our imagination may have led us to believe and having the right London IT support companies to help with your technology need can make the process seems like a breeze over.

Setting us dual screen on a laptop simply require your device to have a graphics card that can accommodate simultaneous connection from two monitors. 

With PCs, adding a second display to an existing computer could mean installing a second graphics card if free slots are available, or upgrading the existing graphics card to one that support dual display. 

It is common to find most dual display configurations using 22 inches monitors but not everyone has the physical space to accommodate this, so smaller screen size is perfectly acceptable too.

To get help on purchasing a secondary monitor for your computer or laptop for business or home use simply click here.

How to Setup Your New Screens

Setting up a second monitor is pretty easy and, in most cases, can be completed in less than one hour. If you require a larger display screen outfit for your computer screen setup, our Solid Rock IT experts are available to help every step of the way.

At Solid Rock IT UK, we provide computer support in London and surrounding areas for business and homes, with onsite appointments and remote IT services available for hardware and software technology challenges. 

Our team of IT specialists are able to help your business with fully managed IT support as well as independent advice for IT consultancy requirements that can improve operations of your organisation strategy. Get in touch today to find out more.

How to recover permanently deleted files

It is likely that we will all at some point accidentally delete files and data during the course of our lives. If this happen to you for the first time, the experience can be seriously daunting and the anguish incomparable, but for those users who are seasoned – “oops, I’m gonna delete your files” decision – or unexpected error situation, the anxiety is less impacting.

 

Accidentally deleting files can result in permanent data loss, but doing so doesn’t mean the information is gone forever. With the progression of computer technology and tools for recovering loss data, it is now possible to access accidentally deleted files as it will still exist until it has been overwritten. Here’s why:

Permanently deleted data isn’t actually completely deleted

Whenever files are removed from a computer folder, desktop, recycle bin or other locations, the space the location where the file originally reside is simply marked as available but the data still reside on the hard drive. This will continue to be the case until new files are either copied to the drive or there has been major saving of data on the affected media. This principle remain the same for external (portable) media and internal hard drives.

 

How to recover permanently deleted files

So, if the deleted files are still on the how is it possible to get your lost data back and what steps should you take?  Whenever you accidentally delete data from your drive, the first and most important step is to stop using the drive and focus data recovery techniques to get your files back. The main question here is, what data loss prevention measures could you introduce to ensure this doesn't happen again?

If you are looking get your lost data back, here are some options you could try:

Use recovery software to get your lost data back

Most data recovery software have utilities that can help you scan the drive and detect and restore your lost data via a do-it-yourself route. The main thing to bear in mind is that some of tools are there are difficult to use and, any physical installation to your drive could result in the required data being wiped out completely as result of that space being taken over by the recovery software.

Whilst the data is freshly deleted, as long as you don’t use the drive – even if this is 10 years later – the data should still be there and it’s likely that data recovery can get your lost files back.

 

Reach out to a data recovery company

Enlisting the help of a data recovery specialist can result in you spending more for the service, but at the same time it presents a better option for peace of mind where critical data is at play. Data recovery company are able to draw upon years of experiences of undertaking these kind of services and will most likely to have ore sophisticated tools to get the job done profession and with greater accuracy.

 

Morale of the data recovery story

Always back up your data whenever possible and if it’s a single file, try emailing a copy to yourself for safe keeping just in case the backup media fail unexpectedly – seriously, this can happen, so no joking around.

Complement your physical storage media with cloud technology to help with storing your data, so in the event of a complete system failure, its easy to login to your cloud account and continue to access the required files.

 

Overall, whenever there is an accidental data or file deletion, avoid the temptation of saving new information on the storage media until your files have been recovered.

What's Your Data Recovery Needs?

Solid Rock IT UK offers data recovery services across media types and we would love to hear about your lost data issue so we can help get your lost data back. Get in touch today.

Can Apple Macs Get Viruses?

 It is well known globally that Windows computers can get viruses and this applies to all models and brands, the growing threats from cyber security attack is real, whether they be laptop desktop or notebooks or netbooks. Practically all desktop PC and laptop computers are prone to virus attacks if they run Microsoft Windows operating system.

Virus infection on computers can bring about data loss, but this is just one of the many drawbacks that can happen to an infected machine. There are cases when computers start to exhibit very slow performance and irritating popups. Statistics also shows that some computers with virus infection could also lead to unexpected financial losses for the owner / user if left unchecked. 

For several years there is a common concept amongst Mac users that Apple desktop such as iMac and their laptop counterparts - MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and MacBook - cannot be contaminated with viruses. 

This ridiculous false claim has been so widely spread to consumers to the point that many don't see the need for having antivirus or malwares solutions installed to protect their systems against these looming security threats.

This notion of false virus-proof protection feature being built into the Mac operating system has led many users opting for these devices over their Windows PC counterpart.

With the rapid spike of virus infection spreading across computing device types it is becoming clearer to most Apple users that the operating systems used by Macs have flaws that hackers can exploit and leveraging them is simply less profitable when compared to Windows.

Why Did Apple Computer Users Thought Macs Couldn't Be Infected with viruses?

In the early days of computer popularity when Windows became the operating system of choice, it was only logical that cyber attackers see these system as lucrative attack targets. This more is evident in the commercial world  the vast majority of computers purchased were running Microsoft’s operating systems which effectively increases opportunities as a hacker playing ground. With that ais, how do you deal with cybersecurity challenges affecting Apple Mac computers?

With Apple Mac now taking centre stage as the main computer hardware in many business such as creatives, post production, media and others, the perception of an immune system is gradually fading into thin air. There are now more viruses being developed frequently for the Mac OS platform due to their increased popularity an in the coming years, it is likely that attack trends could increase by multiple-folds.

What type of viruses can infect Macs?

Viruses exploiting flaws in Mac operating system are becoming more sophisticated and agile in their behaviour and impact on Apple computers. as users are silently being exposed to different Mac system exploits, it will be quite some time before these attacks become easily identifiable.

In 2019 alone, the number of Mac infections on Apple devices has seen user's  devices being infected with malware, trojan horses, spyware and many other computer virus that were once only applicable to Windows computer operating systems. 

Although by their default nature the Apple operating system has traditionally been more secure than Windows, it also reported that many IT professionals are encountering infected Macs more than ever. 

Here at Solid Rock IT UK, we’ve serviced numerous Apple Mac desktop and laptop computers that have lost data because of unexpected viruses infection over the last three years. In 2020 alone, the trend of cyber threat to computer systems has increased significantly, due to more people working remotely online during the pandemic period.

How Can Viruses Cause Data Loss on an Apple Mac System?

In some cases, virus infection on an Apple computer can render data on the device to become inaccessible for any number of reasons. To date, the most common tactics used by cyber attackers is the notion of encrypting a user's hard drive via malware or total device failure. 

Depending on the degree of encryption or virus attacks, there is usually the possibility to recover data from your Macs unless but the ability to seek professional help quickly is more that not the deciding factor for successful data recovery.

As we enter the new era of working from home, remote working and cloud computing, there are continuous threats introduced by cyber crime  for businesses, public bodies, charities and individuals alike. There are no longer save haven for computer and mobile users of any class as all are now target for data loss, cyber attacks and identity theft in the digital progressing world.

The best advise for users of Apple Mac OS, Android, Linux and Microsoft Windows system is to 

• Be constantly vigilant when using your system and connecting to wireless networks.
• Refrain from downloading anything from unfamiliar sources.
• Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.
• Be mindful of the cyber threat and hacking schemes at play to compromise your system. 

That said, following the above security guidelines does not guarantee a infection free system, since by its very nature your device is a computer and being connected to the internet doesn't make it immune to infections and cyber attacks.

But What Can I Do if I Have Lost Data Because of a Virus Attack?

Get in touch with Solid Rock IT UK We offer a dynamic range of virus removal services and data recovery across all Apple Mac computer and laptop models. We are able to diagnose the security threat impacting your system and determine the best course of action for getting you lost data back.

When was the last time you had a Mac system health check to determine the integrity of your computer against malicious attacks and possible virus infection?

Computer Repairs London - Outsourced IT Support for PC & Mac

Searching for computer repair near me may be your best bet to find PC experts who are able to fix your laptop, desktop computer or Apple Mac in the current season. Getting help for repair computers or laptop require consideration of the cost for computer fix and justify the means of actually going ahead with the service. 

Getting your system up and running properly again is good when the costs doesn't exceed the price of a new device, or if you have sentimental attachment to your broken computer PC or Apple Macintosh.

There are numerous computer repair shops in London, but not all offer the convenience of onsite PC fix or remote laptop repairs, which means that home computer repairs are often carried out at the computer shop and not within the comfort of your own office or home.

It is understandable that many broken PC and laptops with faults that happened during early stages of the pandemic will now require expert computer technician help as the lockdown eases, with schools and universities look to resume studies.

No one expected the effects of COVID-19 would take this long as such, it becomes more feasible to fix your computer than buying a new one to reduce costs and inconveniences.

With many people now working from home for longer periods, the need for mobile computer engineers is becoming more important for both business and residential IT Support. Many users who are remote working may at some stage, require urgent computer services via onsite computer repair near me, where and engineer visit your location, diagnose the computer issue and carry out the relevant PC fix to mend broken computers and laptops.

Fixing laptop and computers can sometimes seems easy, but there are those occasions where broken PC will require more technical expertise to overcome the underlying computer maintenance challenges facing the user and that makes rock solid rock sense.

At Solid Rock IT UK, we repair computers across all models and brands. Our IT support engineers are experts at laptop repairs, computer services, Mac Support and wireless networking.

We fix computers with hardware and software faults, including broken screens, hard drive issues, WIFI not working properly, software corruptions and many other symptoms.

With you as our customer means there is no need to fuss about the underlying IT technicalities of computer repairs as we take care of those detailed aspects for you. Our main aim is to get your system up and running properly again and as quickly as possible.

Amongst the many reputable IT support company London customers love, we are considered one of the best customer choice for responsive and expertise. We love to help our customers with Apple Mac Support London, outsourced IT support, computer repairs and data recovery via onsite and remote IT services.

Based in South East London, enable us to provide ongoing business IT Support in London and surrounding areas for companies and residential customers alike. Your dependence on technology for daily business activities, home working and IT project solutions delivery means we have your interest at the forefront of everything we do with outsourced IT support for ongoing peace of mind.

If you are looking for computer repair shops near me, our engineers are readily available to help you every step of the way. We remove the need for you to travel to computer stores, leave your device for repairs and then go back to collect it later. We come to you, thereby simplifying the PC repair shop process and make technology work for you. 

If you are looking for emergency IT support, most of our computer services can be delivered on the same day of calling, or via pre-booked appointment where a later date is required that suits your availability and schedule.

Tech repair is what we do daily and you can also consider us as your computer fixers for all Mac repairs, all-in-one desktop fix, laptop services or server maintenance.

The next time you need computer repairing, simply get in touch and let our expert IT support engineers fix your computer or Apple Mac faults.

Trends in Artificial Intelligence

Popularity of intelligent systems owe their success to artificial intelligence as the core entity for effective operations. Our theory is that these intelligent systems are actively connected to computer networks via the internet or interconnected databases emended within their "cerebral-sphere" for quick information access and decision support. 

How Effective is The Apple iPad for Working From Home and Remote Learning?

The technology market has seen a significant surge in the use of portable devices such as laptops and tablets during the lockdown as most people need to work from home or continue studies via distant learning. 

Amongst the top contenders for tablet use is the Apple iPad which held a strong position in periods leading up to and after the initial demand for computing devices caused by the pandemic and most people not being able to leave home.

Working from home is now a common trend and and for many, this is the new way of working for digital lifestyle.

Many iPad users were probably using the commonly available iPad Mini, iPad Air and  older versions such as the iPad 2, 3 and 4 provided they are able to function properly online with the required apps.

The newer Apple iPad devices such as the iPad Pro and 10.2-inch iPad proved very much in demand due to their larger screen sizes, faster processor capabilities and compatibility with the latest iOS operating system and the need for capable technology products. 

It can easily be reasoned that amongst the top tablets purchased by consumers and business alike, the latter tablets were were some of the best selling tablets of all time.

Statistics indicated that the sale of iPad Pro and the 10.2 iPad puts Apple in a comfortable position with 38% of market the share by the peak of the COVID-9 period.

Other popular tablet brands inching closely behind Apple's tablet sale trend includes Samsung, Amazon and Lenovo models, which are also popular choices for consumers with respect to portable touch screen equipment based on purchases and shipment volumes.

The rise in remote work and continuation for safe distance means more and more people will be confined to the comfort of their home for much longer, or atleast until the stay-at-home ease is phased in

at it is safer to travel freely. 

It is expected that alongside remote working, learning and leisure will continue to champion the use of tablets, laptop and other portable devices from mainstream PC vendors for work, where mobile phones are not fully capable for one reason or another.

Apple Mac has also seen a huge surge in the need new computer setup amongst businesses, despite supply constraints at the start of the pandemic.

Given the rise of tablets and laptops for work, do you think Apple iPad are effective for working from home and distance learning?

Get help with technology consultancy and IT support for business and residential customers when working from home or in the office today.

Why its Worth Having Laptop Screen Repairs

Having a broken laptop screen repaired can make a lot of difference for your Windows or Mac computer devices.

Monitor screen repair in London is a popular service that is readily available for businesses and home users who are interested in keeping their existing computer or laptop instead of throwing it out and buying a new one. Screen repairs are mostly for laptops and notebooks and less so for desktop computers which uses an externally connected monitor to display content from the computer.

Broken screens are not just limited to standard notebooks and we've seen numerous gaming laptops with broken screen that needed to be repaired so they can function properly again.

One of the biggest challenges for professional IT services is often highlighted by the question "where can i get a laptop screen fixed near me"? Many users who have broken laptop screen for repair either are not able to find a reputable computer repair company, or simply not sure how to go about getting their broken laptop screen fixed. Now for the big money question:

How much does it cost to fix a laptop screen?

Professional laptop screen repair costs varies and it really depends on the model and brand of the device as screen types do differ across product ranges. Most users are not tech savvy and whilst a laptop screen repair is not the most difficult job, getting it wrong is the only concern to worry about, as this can literally leave your device with a blank display. That said, if you are comfortable with working on your laptop and have the correct tool to repair the broken or cracked screen yourself then this could be an exciting adventure.

Given the above, cost to fix a broken laptop screen can vary from anywhere between £100.00 to anything over £1500.00 for Mac and Windows notebooks - including most iMacs. With computers becoming a common technology for homes and business users, it is becoming easier to find the correct replacement screen at a reasonable price and it often only takes an hour or two to complete a DIY laptop screen replacement.

How Can I Fix My Cracked Laptop Screen?

There are numerous laptop screen repair guides available online that can help you fix a broken or cracked laptop screen in no time. That said, some of these tutorials can also hide key steps that must be carried out to ensure a fully functional unit as you walk through the repair process. This can often be due to either sections of the video being edited out, or there is an assumption by the trainer that the user should be able to work out such steps without the need for further explanation.

What Causes Laptop Screen Damages?

Most laptop screen damages are cause by either physical impact to the display - computer held at one of the top corners(pinched ear-bud) or an object getting trapped between the laptop lid and top case for the keyboard / track-pad. Normally, when an object gets caught between the screen and keyboard, if it is not a spongy or cushion type device then a broken or damaged laptop screen is most likely to occur.

Another reason for laptop screen damage is cracks that occur due to overheating or wear-and-tear. These screen damages are often obvious as cracks near the bottom of the screen that eventually spread to cover the display and lead to dead-pixel images or splodges on the LCD screen.

So there you have it, some of the main reasons why it is worth having your laptop screen repaired. If you would like help for broken laptop screen repair repairs in London, simply get in touch with Solid Rock IT UK and we'll be happy to assist.

Malware OSX/Dok Causing Havoc for Mac OS

OSX Dok is the most recent malware affecting Apple Mac devices that uses the Mac OS operating systems - all versions. Basically OSX/Dok target users email account and execute malicious codes from an attachment called Dokument.zip. The OSX Dok phishing scam is a deliberate cyber war campaign that attack Apple computers via unsolicited emails.

Once the email attachment is opened, the infected payload automatically propagate itself throughout the user's profile and operating system, then move on to monitor network traffic, system use and user keystrokes by elevating its security privileges. 

OSX Dok behaves like a latent malware strain, meaning that it attempts to take on normal Mac OS operations to fool unsuspecting users while at the same time, remaining covert about its true intentions - minimum cause for alarm.