Blog

Do dogs help in the work environment?  According to some studies, yes, they do!  Many small businesses allow dogs but even some corporations also allow the practice because of perceived benefits.   Amazon, Ben and Jerry’s and Printing for Less are just a few well-known companies that have dog-friendly policies.

Windows 10 is a really secure operating system and one reason is because Microsoft forces security updates on their schedule.  Security updates are critically important for a safe computing experience but there may be some scenarios which require you to have more customized control of the Windows update process.

Important Security Updates
Avast: Avast! Free Antivirus has released version 12.2.2276. Updates are available on Avast’s website.

Avira Free Antivirus:  Avira has released version 15.0.18.354 of its free Antivirus. Updates are available from Avira’s website.

Individuals at Risk
Cyber Fraud
Dark Patterns are designed to trick you (and they’re all over the Web): It happens to the best of us. After looking closely at a bank statement or cable bill, suddenly a small, unrecognizable charge appears. Fine print sleuthing soon provides the answer—somehow, you accidentally signed up for a service.

]Animated GIFs are a great way to get your social media posts noticed.  Here’s a quick and easy way to make a fun GIF from any video clip you find on YouTube or other video service.
Step 1 – Select a video
If you want to get a video from YouTube, Vimeo or other video service, you first need to find and copy the video URL link.

Important Security Updates
Apple iOS:  Apple has released version 9.3.3 of its iOS to fix at least 43 vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical, reported in previous versions. Updates are available through the device or through Apple’s website.

Individuals at Risk
Cyber Privacy
Hackers penetrate Illinois voter registration database: SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Board of Elections’ online voter registration system remained down Thursday afternoon in the wake of a cyberattack last week.

The clocking is ticking to take Microsoft up on their free offer to upgrade to Windows 10.  The hard-stop deadline is July 29, 2016.  So what are you waiting for?
Why Should You Upgrade?
Windows 10 is the most current and most secure Microsoft operating system to date.

Individuals at Risk
Cyber Update
Microsoft Update Doesn’t Quite Fix Decades-Old Printer Bug in Windows; Will Warn Users Who Can Say No: Printers. They can be the bane of every home office or small business, but not just when they jam or run out of paper or toner.

Important Security Updates
Adobe Reader: Adobe has released version 2015.017.20050. Updates are available through the program’s Help menu/Check for Updates or from Adobe’s website.

Adobe Flash Player: Adobe has released version 22.0.0.209 to fix at least 52 vulnerabilities.