Smarter Technologies Ltd

30/07/2023

Have you ever found yourself lost in the jungle of your Google Docs? You know, those endless files of meeting minutes, project plans, and brainstorming sessions that seem to multiply like rabbits?

Well, Google has heard our collective cries for help and come to the rescue with its latest AI tool.

Imagine this: It's a Monday morning (I know, scary thought), and you're trying to find the notes from last month's team meeting. You open Google Docs and are greeted by a sea of documents.

But wait! Google's new AI tool swoops in like a superhero, ready to save the day (and your sanity). This clever little assistant, part of Google's Duet AI suite, is designed to help you write, refine, and most importantly, organise your content.

With a simple click on the 'Help me' option, this AI tool starts to work its magic. It can help you sift through your Google Drive, finding specific files or folders faster than you can say 'Where did I put that document?'

So, if your Google Docs looks like a digital version of a teenager's bedroom floor, fear not. Google's new AI tool is here to turn that chaos into order.

It’s like Marie Kondo for your Google Docs - sparking joy and decluttering your digital workspace.

Being a business owner is tough enough without having to wrestle with disorganised files. Wouldn't you rather spend your time growing your business than playing hide and seek with your documents?

Summarize your class notes into one easy-to-read paragraph

29/07/2023

Can you really work from the beach?

It’s probably crossed your mind at least once...

The idea of swapping your office chair for a sunlounger and trading the humdrum of office life for the soothing sound of waves is undeniably appealing.

But is it truly feasible?

You're on a sun-kissed beach, laptop in hand, ready to conquer the world (or at least your inbox). But wait, is that a flock of seagulls eyeing your sandwich? Is your screen turning into a mirror under the bright sun? And why is your Wi-Fi signal playing hide-and-seek?

Working from the beach might not be as productive as you'd hope. Here's why:

Distractions: Beaches are bustling with activity – kids building sandcastles, volleyball games, people splashing around in the water. It's like trying to work in the middle of a carnival.

Glare: The sun, while great for tanning, isn't exactly laptop-friendly. The glare can make it almost impossible to see your screen.

Connectivity: Good luck finding stable Wi-Fi or even decent data coverage on a remote beach.

Sand: Need we say more? Sand has a knack for getting everywhere, including your precious laptop.

But if you're still determined to make the beach your office, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Beat the glare: Invest in a laptop sun shade or a glare-proof screen protector.

Power up: Bring a portable charger or a solar-powered one if you're feeling extra eco-friendly.

Stay connected: Consider a personal Wi-Fi hotspot for reliable internet access.

Protect your gear: A waterproof and sand-proof laptop case is a must.

So, can you really work from the beach? With some preparation and the right gear, it's possible. But remember, even if your beach office experiment doesn't go as planned, at least you'll have a great view, a tan, and maybe even a funny story to share at your next virtual meeting.

Discover if beach work is feasible for digital nomads. Tips, gear, and advice for remote work by the shore. Digital Nomadness.

28/07/2023

How are mushrooms changing the world of tech?

Scientists at the Unconventional Computing Laboratory at the University of the West of England have been experimenting with mushrooms and their potential applications in computer architecture. They've actually managed to develop a 'living PC' using mushrooms.

Now, before you start imagining your office filled with mushroom-shaped computers, let's clarify what this means exactly.

The researchers are harnessing the unique properties of fungi to create biodegradable alternatives to some plastics used in batteries and computer chips. The idea is to build a sustainable future where tech doesn't contribute to the growing problem of e-waste.

But let's pause for a moment... Mushrooms? Computers? Does this ring a bell with any of you gamers out there?

If you're a fan of the TV series, 'The Last of Us', you might be feeling a little uneasy right now. For those who haven't seen it, let's just say that the show presents a post-apocalyptic world where a certain type of fungus (cordyceps) has some rather unpleasant effects on humanity.

But don't worry, we're not about to witness a real-life version of 'The Last of Us'. The scientists are using cordyceps in their experiments, but they are far from creating mushroom-zombies. Their work is focused on exploring the feasibility of using fungi in computing, and so far, the results are promising.

So, how does this impact you? Well, imagine a world where your tech hardware is not only functional but also sustainable. Imagine contributing to a cleaner planet every time you upgrade your office computers. Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn't it?

As we move towards a greener future, innovations like these could play a crucial role. So, next time you look at a mushroom, remember, it's not just a tasty ingredient, it could also be the future of computing,

Much of science fiction is just an imaginative extension of scientific reality – wetware is nothing new. Neural interfaces and other devices have been in development for...

27/07/2023

When you think of famous Lisas, who comes to mind? Lisa Simpson with her saxophone and wisdom beyond her years? Or perhaps the enigmatic Mona Lisa, forever capturing our curiosity with her cryptic smile?

This week we're celebrating a lesser-known Lisa, one that has quietly revolutionised our world.

On the 30th of July, back in 1979, Apple began work on a project named Lisa. No, she wasn't a cartoon character or a mysterious lady in a painting, but rather the world’s first commercial computer with a graphical user interface. Let's give a round of applause for Lisa, the unsung hero of modern computing!

Sure, Lisa might have had a bit of a rocky start — originally intended to sell for $2,000 (£1528) in 1981, she was delayed until 1983 and ended up costing a whopping $10,000 (£7640).

Despite her high cost and a few hardware hiccups, Lisa was a pioneer, introducing technology that was light-years ahead of its time.

Although Lisa couldn't quite find her footing in the commercial market, her influence didn't stop there. The technology she introduced went on to shape the development of the Macintosh and other future computer and operating system designs.

So here's to Lisa, the computer that dared to dream big and paved the way for the technology we rely on today. In the grand tapestry of 'Lisa' history, she may not be as well-known as her namesakes, but in the tech world, she's a superstar. Happy anniversary, Lisa!

July 30, 1979 Apple begins work on the Lisa, which would become the world’s first commercial computer with a graphical user interface. Originally intended to sell for $2,000 and ship in 1981, the Lisa is delayed until 1983 and sells for $10,000. Utilizing technology that is ahead of its time, the ...

27/07/2023

Small and medium-sized businesses are the most likely targets for all kinds of cyber attack. And your biggest weakness is your people. That’s why it’s vital to take cyber security awareness training seriously. But how do you create a training strategy for an entire business? Our latest video tells you exactly what you need to know.

https://wp.me/p5niOc-13T

26/07/2023

Have you tried Google Bard yet? It's the new chatbot on the block that you might like to check out.

Google’s chatbot is breaking barriers with its new text-to-speech feature. Gone are the days of silent interaction. Bard can now speak back to you, answering your questions out loud. Picture yourself multitasking, hands-free, while Bard narrates your requested information. How convenient is that?

This innovation goes beyond mere novelty. According to numerous sources, this update significantly enhances accessibility for people worldwide. For those who find reading challenging or merely prefer auditory learning, this feature is a godsend.

But what does this mean for competitors like ChatGPT and Bing? Only time will tell, but I can imagine they’ll probably follow suit.

If you’ve tried this text-to-speech feature already, I’d love to hear what you think?

Bard is getting more capable, but it's still not trustworthy.

26/07/2023

This week we’ve got some cyber security stats that are scarier than running out of coffee on a Monday morning. Read this if you want a shock – and the advice you need to keep your business protected

https://wp.me/p5niOc-14l

25/07/2023

Protecting your business from cyber crime can feel like you're acting out a spy movie, warding off invisible enemies...we get it.

But the threat is very much real and it's something you need to take seriously.

According to a recent report, 87% of IT decision-makers confirmed their firms suffered at least two successful attacks in the last year. And on average, businesses saw almost five successful cyber security incidents.

This includes malware attacks, ransomware, and data theft. And it seems these cyber villains are as relentless as a toddler asking 'why?'

The impact varies from business downtime (affecting 58% of victims), loss of customer trust and retention, and even loss of customer data (39% reported this).

So, why have we seen such a surge in cyber crime?

It's like a perfect storm: the rise of the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) initiative, the popularity boom of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the explosion of productivity apps have expanded the threat landscape faster than a funny video going viral.

But don't despair. There are ways to bolster your defences and keep those cyber baddies at bay. You could:

- Train your team on the dangers of phishing and social engineering
- Set up a VPN
- Install antivirus programs, endpoint protection solutions and firewalls
- Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)

If you're concerned about cyber crime and want to protect your business, let's have a chat.

Hackers rarely stop at one intrusion when it comes to SMBs

24/07/2023

Cyber attacks aren't reserved for big corporations – small and medium-sized businesses are at a high risk too. And the stats are shocking. Our latest video shows how to protect your business from cyber criminals.

https://wp.me/p5niOc-14i

24/07/2023

Ever had one of those days where your PC decides to throw a tantrum, freezes and refuses to do anything?

Reinstalling Windows might seem like your only option. But that in itself can be a complete nightmare as you could lose your files and settings.

Well, Microsoft may have thrown us a lifeline.

They’ve introduced a nifty little feature in Windows 11 that could make those PC meltdowns a little less frustrating.

What's the lowdown?

Imagine that your computer starts acting up. You've tried everything but nothing seems to work. The dreaded 'reinstall Windows' option looms over you like a dark cloud...

But wait! What if there was a way to reinstall Windows without losing all your precious files and settings?

Enter the new Recovery settings feature.

Select this option and Windows 11 will download the latest update and perform a 'fresh' install while keeping your apps, files, and settings safe and sound.

Now, before we get too carried away, there are a few caveats.

To use this feature, you'll need to be able to boot into Windows 11 first. Not so helpful if your PC is staging a sit-in protest and refusing to boot.

And if the problem was caused by the latest Windows 11 update, reinstalling that update might feel a bit like running on a hamster wheel.

However, let's not lose sight of the bigger picture here...

This new feature could be a huge step forward in making our lives just a little bit easier when it comes to managing those pesky PC problems.

So, while we wait for the new recovery settings feature to roll out to all users, remember that your friendly neighbourhood IT support partner is always here to help should you run into any problems.

Windows 11 could use Windows Update to repair your PC – and it’s a great idea

23/07/2023

Are you tired of juggling between Zoom meetings and Google Calendar? Well, today is your lucky day!

You see, Google Calendar makes adding a video conference to an invitation incredibly easy. But, there's a catch! The video chat service of choice has to be Google Meet.

I know, right? Google is very protective of its own products. Have you ever found yourself jumping on the Google Meet link that was in the calender, only everyone else has jumped on a Zoom link? So confusing.

But there’s a way around this problem: The Zoom for Google Workspace extension.

First, install the extension. Google will ask for a few permissions.

Next, create an event in Google Calendar. Just double-click on a date, title your meeting, set the start and end times, and you're halfway there.

Now, notice that blue button saying 'Add Google Meet video conferencing'? Don't let it fool you. Click on the arrow next to it and select Zoom.

Boom! You've just added a Zoom link to your Google Calendar event.

If you're not logged in to Zoom, you'll need to do so. Then Google will ask if you'd like to add conferencing via Zoom to Google Workspace. Check the box and click 'Allow'.

You can now invite guests to your meeting from your contacts list or by typing in their email addresses. Just remember, Google might give you a little warning if you invite someone who doesn't use Google Calendar.

Finally, hit 'Save' and send out those invitations. You've just successfully scheduled a Zoom meeting through Google Calendar.

And that's it! With these simple steps, you can make Zoom and Google Calendar best friends. No more switching between apps, no more confusion. Just seamless scheduling for your online meetings. Isn't that a time-saver?

Google Calendar makes adding a Google Meet link easy, but what if you need to use Zoom? Here's how to set it up on any device

22/07/2023

Is your workstation a place of comfort or discomfort? A haven for productivity or a breeding ground for aches and pains?

And what about your employees’ workstations?

We often brush off the importance of a well-set workstation. But a little discomfort is not part of the job - it can cause long-term issues with employee absence and your expensive equipment being used incorrectly.

If your workstation tech isn't set up correctly and ergonomically, it can feel like a real-life horror show.

Office ergonomics aren't just fancy words thrown around by health enthusiasts. It's an essential aspect of your work life that can save you from dreaded neck and back pain, sore wrists and shoulders. Yes, those pesky problems that sneak up on you after hours of seated work can be avoided!

Take your chair. Did you know that the right chair can support your spine? Adjust the height so your feet rest flat on the floor, or use a footrest. No more dangling feet or hunching over. And those armrests? They're not just for show. Position them just right, and your arms, elbows, and shoulders will thank you.

What about your keyboard and mouse? Place them in front of you so your wrists and forearms are in line and your shoulders are relaxed. Keep your wrists straight, your upper arms close to your body, and your hands at or slightly below the level of your elbows. Sounds like a yoga pose, doesn't it? But trust me, your body will thank you.

Your monitor should be an arm's length away from your face to prevent eye strain. And if you wear bifocals, lower the monitor an additional 1 to 2 inches for more comfortable viewing.

For laptop-lovers, consider getting an external keyboard and mouse, along with a laptop stand. Your neck will appreciate the gesture!

Remember, with the right tech setup, your workstation can be a haven for comfort and productivity.

Use this visual ergonomics guide to make your sitting work space more comfortable.