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24/06/2025

Need to change a file from one format to another? Easy, just Google a file converter, right?

Stop! Not so fast. That may not be as safe as it seems…

23/06/2025

Enhance your home security with the TP-LINK TAPO D235 Smart Video Doorbell. This advanced doorbell offers both battery and wired options, delivering unparalleled flexibility. With 2K 5MP clarity, it captures every detail in stunning quality, even at night, thanks to full-color night vision.

The D235's 180° ultra-wide field of view ensures nothing goes unnoticed. Smart AI detection alerts you to people, pets, vehicles, and packages, while two-way audio allows for direct communication with visitors. The anti-theft alarm and IP66 weatherproof design provide peace of mind in any situation.

Store your footage locally with a microSD card or opt for Tapo Care cloud services. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can easily integrate it with your smart home ecosystem. Stay secure and connected with the TAPO D235, your all-in-one solution for smart home monitoring.

TP-LINK (TAPO D235) Smart Battery/Wired 2K 5MP Video Doorbell Camera w/ Chime, 7-Month Battery, Night Vision, Ultra-Wide FOV, AI Detection & Notification, Anti-theft Tapo Video Doorbell Camera 210-Day Battery or Wired: 10000mAh battery or 8-24V hardwired, supports pre-roll when hardwired. 2K 5MP...

23/06/2025

It’s important to keep your business data safe and secure, right?

But cyber criminals are getting smarter. They’re making it harder to spot their scams.

You and your team need to know the red flags to watch out for, so you don’t fall for their tricks.

Here’s how you catch a phishing email…

22/06/2025

Still printing out Word docs just to sign them?

There’s a better way. A MUCH better way ✍️📄

If your workflow still involves “print > sign > scan > send,” it’s time for a productivity upgrade.

Let’s talk about how to insert an electronic signature into a Word document. Quickly and easily. This little trick can save you time, paper, and a surprising amount of hassle.

Here’s how to do it 👇

🖊️ Step 1: Get your signature in digital form

If you’ve got a touchscreen device with a stylus (like a Surface or iPad), you can sign directly on the screen and save the image.

No touchscreen? No problem. Just sign your name on a white sheet of paper and snap a photo using a scanning app.

📱 Tip: The OneDrive mobile app has a built-in scanner. Open the app, tap the camera icon, and choose “Document.” It’ll clean up shadows and give you a crisp scan. You can crop it and save it straight to OneDrive.

📄 Step 2: Insert it into Word

Open your document and go to: Insert > Pictures > This Device.

Choose your scanned signature image and drop it in wherever it needs to go. Resize if needed by dragging the corners.

⚡ Step 3: Save it as a Quick Part (for future use)

Want to speed this up for next time?

Select the signature (and any closing text like “Kind regards”), then press Alt + F3 or go to: Insert > Quick Parts > Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery.

Give it a name like “signatureblock.”

Now, in any Word doc, just type that name and hit F3. Boom. Your signature appears. No more repeating the steps.

🔐 One quick note on security: This is called an electronic signature. Essentially just an image of your real one. It’s not the same as a legally binding digital signature, which uses encryption to verify identity.

For internal docs, approvals, or everyday communication, this method is quick and easy. But for contracts or anything more formal, make sure you’re using a certified e-signature solution.

Got a favourite time-saving tip in Word?

21/06/2025

Microsoft turned 50 this year 🥳

And whether you love it, rely on it, or sometimes roll your eyes at it (hello, random Windows updates), there’s no denying the impact it’s had on the way we work.

From the earliest versions of Windows to today’s AI-powered tools, it’s helped shape modern business technology. Especially for small and medium sized businesses.

I thought I’d share three little-known facts that even many tech pros don’t know: 👇

🪟 1. “Windows” wasn’t always called Windows

Back in 1983, Microsoft announced its new graphical interface under the name… “Interface Manager.”

Catchy 😬

It wasn’t until closer to launch in 1985 that someone had the bright idea to rename it Windows. A name that better reflected the interface’s key feature: Multiple windows on a screen.

Safe to say that marketing decision paid off.

💾 2. You used to have to type “win” just to start Windows

Before Windows 95, it wasn’t its own full operating system. It ran on top of MS-DOS (an earlier, text-based system).

You’d switch your PC on, MS-DOS would load… and you had to type “win” just to launch the Windows interface.

It wasn’t until Windows 95 that the OS became a true standalone system. And a lot more user-friendly.

🧠 3. AI might be the future… but some original apps are still here

Microsoft has gone all-in on Copilot and AI. But some apps from Windows 1.0 (yes, the first version from 1985) are still kicking around today:

🧮 Calculator

🎨 Paint

📓 Notepad

They’ve had massive upgrades over the years. Notepad even has AI features now. But the core idea has stood the test of time.

From typing "win" at a blinking cursor to asking Copilot to summarise your inbox, Microsoft’s evolution is a reminder of just how fast technology moves.

And for businesses? That evolution never stops.

So, here’s the question: As Microsoft moves forward, is your business tech moving with it?

If you’re still relying on older systems, or unsure whether your setup is ready for the next big leap (like AI in Windows 11), now’s a great time to start futureproofing.

What’s your first memory of using Windows?

20/06/2025

Unleash the power of gaming with the ASUS TUF GAMING RTX5080. This cutting-edge graphics card is designed for those who demand durability and performance. With the latest NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, it provides exceptional cooling and power delivery, ensuring your system runs smoothly even under intense conditions.

Equipped with military-grade components, including TUF chokes and MOSFETs, this card offers unmatched stability and longevity. The advanced cooling system features Axial-tech fans and a large v***r chamber, maximizing heat dissipation for optimal performance.

Customize your setup with Aura-compatible RGB lighting and enjoy the flexibility of dual BIOS modes for either quiet operation or maximum performance. With GPU Tweak III, you have the ultimate tool for fine-tuning your GPU settings.

Experience next-level AI creativity with MuseTree and enjoy a complimentary month of Adobe Creative Cloud. Whether for gaming or creative work, the TUF GAMING RTX5080 is your gateway to superior performance and reliability. Upgrade your rig today and dominate your digital world.

Asus TUF GAMING RTX5080, PCIe5, 16GB DDR7, 2 HDMI, 3 DP, 2640MHz Clock, RGB Lighting NVIDIA Blackwell architecture is elevated by enhanced cooling and power delivery, fortified with rugged reinforcements for exceptional durability. Lock, load and dominate with the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX™ 5080, des...

20/06/2025

14th October 2025.

Does that date look familiar?

If you’re using Windows 10, it should. It’s the day Microsoft pulls free support for the operating system.

That will leave you with no new features, no bug fixes, and importantly, no more security updates.

You can’t risk that.

So, what are your options? Our latest guide tells you everything you need to know to keep your business safe and running smoothly.

Download your free copy now.

20/06/2025

14th October 2025.

Does that date look familiar?

If you’re using Windows 10, it should. It’s the day Microsoft pulls free support for the operating system.

That will leave you with no new features, no bug fixes, and importantly, no more security updates.

You can’t risk that.

So, what are your options? Our latest guide tells you everything you need to know to keep your business safe and running smoothly.

Download your free copy now.

19/06/2025

Discover the TP-LINK Aginet (HX510) AX3000, the ultimate solution for seamless and robust home connectivity. With cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 technology, enjoy lightning-fast speeds up to 3.0 Gbps, perfect for uninterrupted 8K/4K streaming and gaming. The EasyMesh system ensures comprehensive coverage, while features like OFDMA and beamforming optimize performance across all devices.

Experience effortless roaming with a single network name and expand your coverage by adding more HX510 units as needed. Stay secure with WPA3 encryption and manage your network with ease using the Aginet app. Ideal for both home users and ISPs, the HX510 offers flexible management options, robust security, and a reliable connection for all your smart home needs.

Upgrade to a smarter, faster network today and enjoy the freedom of seamless internet connectivity.

TP-LINK Aginet (HX510) X3000 Dual Band Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System, Remote Management, 3-Port, AP Mode AX3000 Whole Home Mesh WiFi 6 AP AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6: 2402 Mbps (5 GHz) + 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz).* 802.11ax Technology: Create a seamless Wi-Fi network in your home with the revolutionary combi...

18/06/2025

Is your business still using Windows 10?

Uh oh.

In October, Microsoft is ending free support for it. That means, if you’re still using it, your business will be more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

What to do? Our latest video lays out your options…

18/06/2025

Just when you think you’ve got cyber security sorted for your business, a new scam comes along. And bad news: It’s happened again.

This time, cyber criminals don’t even need to trick you out of your password to access your accounts… they can fool you with something called a “device code”.

17/06/2025

Is your business still running Windows 10 on its PCs?

You’ve probably heard the news: Support officially ends on 14th October ⏳

No more updates. And no more security patches (unless you pay extra).

Microsoft’s advice?

If your device can’t be upgraded to Windows 11, recycle it. Or donate it.

Either way, it’s time to move on.

And yes, that can feel frustrating. Especially if the machine still works perfectly well.

But here’s the thing: Once that support ends, every Windows 10 device becomes a growing liability.

⚠️ No updates = easy target for cyber criminals.

⚠️ No fixes = higher risk of downtime and lost productivity.

So yes, a brand new Windows 11 PC (ideally one with Copilot+ AI features) is the future Microsoft wants for your business…

But if you're getting ready to decommission old devices, do it the right way.

🧹 Before you recycle or donate a PC, protect your data.

Your old computers hold more sensitive data than you realise. Emails, passwords, client files, logins, cached data… even if you haven’t used them for months.

Here’s how to prep those devices safely:

✅ Back up everything

If you don’t already backup your data (why not?!), you can use the Windows Backup app (built into Windows 10). Send important files and settings to OneDrive. That way, you can pick up where you left off on your new PC.

✅ Sign out of everything

Microsoft accounts, browser logins, business apps. Sign out and deauthorise wherever possible.

✅ Wipe the drive properly

Don’t just delete files. Do a full factory reset and make sure the drive is securely erased. There are tools that overwrite data multiple times to ensure it can’t be recovered. (We can help if you're not sure how.)

✅ Remove external storage or devices

USB sticks, SD cards, dongles. Take out everything before handing over or recycling the device.

✅ Recycle or donate responsibly

Many certified e-waste recyclers will safely dismantle old devices and recover useful materials. Or you can donate to a local charity or school. Just make sure the data is wiped first.

🖥️ If you’re not sure what to do with your Windows 10 devices, or whether they can be upgraded, talk to someone who can assess them for you.

We’re already helping businesses:

✔️ Check upgrade compatibility

✔️ Plan safe data transfers

✔️ Set up new Windows 11 machines

✔️ Recycle or repurpose devices securely

Because saying goodbye to your old tech doesn’t have to be a risk 👋

What’s your plan for October? Keeping Windows 10 going with extended support? Upgrading? Recycling? Or are you still deciding?

16/06/2025

Sick of saying “next slide please” in your Teams meetings? Microsoft has a small but powerful new feature that will put an end to that…

15/06/2025

You already understand the importance of using strong passwords (I hope 😉) – but have you ever thought about how valuable your email address is?

Your email is like your digital passport. It gives you access to everything from your business banking and cloud storage to your software accounts and confidential files.

You wouldn’t hand over your actual passport to every supplier, customer, or random website you interact with.

But it’s effectively what you’re doing when you use the same email address everywhere. And cyber criminals LOVE that. 😈

If an attacker gets access to your inbox, they can:

📩 Reset passwords for all your other accounts.

📂 Steal sensitive data and customer information.

🎭 Impersonate you to scam employees, clients, or suppliers.

And your business email is probably already out there without you realising it.

Data breaches happen all the time, leaking thousands (sometimes millions) of email addresses onto the dark web.

Data brokers can also legally collect and sell your email address, tying it to unique information that scammers can use to target you. Ever wonder why you keep getting suspicious emails that seem a little too personal? Yep. That’s why. 😱

Then there’s phishing. You get an email that looks legit (maybe from your “bank” or “Microsoft support”). Before you know it, you’ve clicked a bad link and handed over your login details. With access to just one of your accounts, hackers can start working their way through everything else.

So, what can you do?

🔒 Treat your email like the goldmine it is. Don’t hand it out like a free sample at a trade show.

🛡️ Make sure your employees understand that email security is about the health of your business.

📲 Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra verification step (usually via an authentication app or code sent to your phone) to make sure only you can access your accounts, even if your password gets stolen.

Instead of using the same email address for everything, consider creating separate addresses for different parts of your business (like finance, customer service, and admin). Better yet, set up aliases. These are randomised email addresses that forward mail to your real inbox. If one alias gets compromised, you can simply deactivate it. 😮‍💨

Finally, check if your business email has already been leaked. 🔎 Websites like Have I Been Pwned (haveibeenpwned.com) can show you if your info is floating around on the dark web. If it is, do this:

Update your passwords (and use a password manager to generate long random passwords, and remember them for you)
Turn on MFA
Consider switching to a more secure email strategy

Your email isn’t just another login detail – it’s the master key to your business. Are you taking enough steps to protect it?

14/06/2025

Customer relationships feel a bit… clunky?

Tech might be the reason.

I speak with a lot of business owners, and most of them want to offer better service.

They want faster response times, stronger loyalty, better reviews, more repeat business 💪

But without the right systems in place, even the best intentions can fall flat.

Let’s talk about five common (and costly) customer relationship mistakes. And how the right IT setup can help fix them👇

💬 Mistake 1. Poor communication

Delayed messages, missed follow-ups, or inconsistent messages all add up. And cost you trust with your clients.

✅ A well-implemented CRM system can centralise customer interactions and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Throw in automation, and you can send updates, reminders, or check-ins without lifting a finger.

🗣️ Mistake 2. Asking for feedback… but doing nothing with it

Most businesses collect feedback. Very few use it.

✅ With the right tools, you can tag, sort, and track feedback trends automatically. Then turn that data into real improvements. Even better? You can show customers how their input led to change.

🤝 Mistake 3. Treating customers like transactions, not people

If your systems are focused purely on sales, it’s easy to miss the bigger picture: Long-term relationships.

✅ By shifting your tools and KPIs toward lifetime value and customer success (not just the next sale), you can start building systems that support relationships over time. Think loyalty programmes, personalised emails, post-sale support. Automated but still human.

📉 Mistake 4. Over-promising and under-delivering

Nothing kills trust like failing to deliver. Often, it’s not the people, it’s the lack of clear processes and oversight.

✅ Project management tools, automated task tracking, and shared dashboards can help your team stay on track and communicate proactively with customers.

📪 Mistake 5. Chasing new leads while ignoring existing customers

New business is great. But not at the expense of the customers who already said “yes.”

✅ A good CRM can flag when a customer hasn’t been contacted in a while. You can set up automated check-ins, personalised offers, or even just a friendly “how’s it going?” That kind of follow-up keeps you front of mind. And keeps the competition out.

Here’s the bottom line: Technology won’t magically make your customers happier.

But when it’s set up properly, it gives your team the tools to deliver better service, faster… and at scale.

That means higher productivity, happier customers, and better business outcomes.

😃 WHOOP 😃

If you’re ready to stop firefighting and start building smarter systems that support real relationships, I’d love to help.

🤔 What’s the one part of your customer experience you know could be smoother?

13/06/2025

£3.4 billion.

That’s how much smaller businesses are losing every year to cyber attacks 😱

Let that sink in for a moment.

The figure comes from new research. If you run or support a growing business, it should be a wake-up call.

📉 Here’s what they found:

➡️ 80% of businesses with over 50 employees have already been hit by a cyber attack.

➡️ 28% of businesses say one serious incident could put them out of business.

➡️ Over half of small to medium sized businesses haven’t had any cyber security training.

And as if that wasn’t enough, attackers are now using AI to do their dirty work. Making their scams more convincing, more frequent, and much easier to launch.

The bar for becoming a cyber criminal has never been lower.

Meanwhile, the cost of getting caught off guard?

That’s going up. FAST.

Here’s the thing: Cyber security isn’t just for big enterprises anymore.

In fact, it’s smaller businesses that often have more to lose. And fewer resources to bounce back.

You’ve got customer data, sensitive communications, bank details, systems that keep your operations running. And for many small to medium sized businesses, one serious breach could be enough to shut the doors.

That’s not fear-mongering. That’s the reality for thousands of businesses every year.

So, what do you do about it?

Start small but start somewhere.

✅ Get your team trained on the basics (even a 30-minute session can go a long way).

✅ Make sure your devices and software are up to date.

✅ Use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and a good security provider.

✅ Talk to an expert if you’re not sure where to begin.

Because cyber security isn’t just an IT issue anymore. It’s a business survival issue.

And let’s face it: The cost of prevention is nothing compared to the cost of recovery.

Are you thinking it's time to take security more seriously? My team and I can help with practical advice with no jargon and no pressure. Get in touch.

11/06/2025

Overconfident employees: Your hidden cyber security threat?

Your team are smart, right? They’d never fall for a scam email or click a suspicious link. At least, that’s what they think. Problem is, this overconfidence could spell disaster for your business’s security. Here’s why…

10/06/2025

You’ve decided to make the upgrade to Windows 11. Great decision!

But how do you get through the switch as smoothly and hassle-free as possible?

Here’s a checklist to make sure you don’t forget a thing…