Antar Information Technology Ltd

14/03/2025

Well done Ste Hague on passing your Wildix W-FE engineer training.

02/03/2025

If you haven’t tried Together Mode in Microsoft Teams yet, you’re missing out on a clever way to make your meetings more engaging.

Together Mode takes everyone in a meeting and places them into a shared virtual space, like a cosy auditorium or a creative boardroom. It’s designed to help your team feel more present, reducing the boredom of staring at video grids.

But what if setting it up feels intimidating?

No worries. Teams will now guide you through every step, with simplified icons on the toolbar. You’ll get clear instructions to set the scene, assign seats, and apply the view for everyone on the call.

Together Mode isn’t just about creating a cool virtual space for your meetings, either. It’s great for team morale, brainstorming sessions, and keeping everyone focused during presentations.

The better your virtual meetings feel, the better everyone works in your business.

Have you tried Together Mode yet in Teams? Could this make your next meeting more fun and productive?

Feel like you’re in person during virtual meetings with Microsoft Teams together mode, which places all participants together in a shared background.

01/03/2025

Holding on to old tech can feel like a smart way to save money, especially when it’s still working just fine.

But did you know outdated devices can become a serious security risk for your business?

Scammers are constantly changing their strategies, and older hardware and software often can’t keep up. Manufacturers stop releasing updates, vulnerabilities go unpatched… and suddenly, that reliable device you’ve been using for years becomes an open door for cyber attacks.

Think about it: If your router, laptop, or even smartphone isn’t receiving security updates, it’s no longer protecting your data - or your customers'.

And it’s not just about the devices themselves. Old tech can make your entire network vulnerable, potentially giving scammers access to your business systems and sensitive information.

Upgrading may seem like a hassle, but modern hardware isn’t just about shiny features; it’s about staying protected in an ever-changing landscape.

When investing in new tech for your business, look for devices that offer long-term support, strong security features (like encryption and Secure Boot), and compatibility with the latest software.

These upgrades aren’t just an expense, they’re an investment in your business’s future.

Are there any apps or devices in your office that might be holding you back? Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to the old and hello to smarter, safer tools.

If you’re not sure, my team and I can help you find the most suitable tech for your business. Get in touch.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2531985/your-beloved-old-tech-is-a-security-risk-its-time-to-let-go.html

28/02/2025

Remember Clippy, the paperclip-shaped assistant from Windows of yesteryear?

It was always there to offer “helpful” advice when we needed a little assistance (and sometimes when we didn’t…).

Microsoft waved goodbye to Clippy in 2007 - but now, the cheery paperclip some of us loved to hate has been immortalised in song.

A Finnish artist and DJ who goes by the name “Windows95Man" dropped a track called "Paperclip". And it’s a love letter to the tireless assistant we all remember from the early days of Microsoft Office.

The ode to Clippy mixes of ’90s rave with nostalgic nods to Clippy’s legacy, and the music video even features WordArt… because how could it not?

It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it’s a reminder of how far Windows has come.

Today, Windows is a powerhouse platform for businesses, helping millions of us get work done. But it’s probably fair to say nobody loves it quite like Windows95Man.

If you’re curious, "Paperclip" is available to stream on Spotify.

Did Clippy make your workday better or drive you up the wall?

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/streaming-video/clippy-is-my-best-friend-windows95man-drops-another-banger-dedicated-to-everyones-favorite-office-assistant

27/02/2025

Ever heard of the Apple Newton operating system?

Apple discontinued it on this day in 1998, along with their MessagePad series.

Back then, this was a bold move.

The Newton was one of the very first handheld devices, offering features like note-taking and email. But let’s face it, it was ahead of its time and struggled to find its place in the business world.

Axing the Newton allowed Apple to double down on their core product, the Macintosh. It was a decision that set the stage for the company’s future success, paving the way for innovations like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad - devices that have revolutionised how we work and connect.

For businesses, there’s a lesson to be learnt here: Sometimes, it’s better to focus on what you do best and let go of what’s not working.

It’s not just about having great ideas; it’s about timing, strategy, and knowing when to pivot.

What bold decisions could help you to focus your business and thrive in the future?

https://thisdayintechhistory.com/02/27/apple-discontinues-the-newton/

26/02/2025

You and your team don’t use consumer messaging apps like WhatsApp for work, do you? If you do, you might want to think twice.

WhatsApp recently fixed a flaw in its "View Once" feature (where you can set messages to disappear once they’ve been read), which had allowed some people get around it.

While the fix is a step forward in protecting sensitive data, general-purpose messaging apps still aren’t ideal for business communication. Sure, they might be convenient, but it’s just not worth the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands.

Tools like Microsoft Teams are built specifically for businesses, with advanced security measures designed to keep your data safe and private. From encrypted chats to secure file sharing, Teams helps make sure your business information stays exactly where it belongs - away from vulnerabilities like this.

When it comes to protecting your business, is it time to rethink how you’re communicating?

We can help you find more secure tools to help give you peace of mind. Get in touch.

https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/whatsapp-has-fixed-its-view-once-feature-but-has-left-more-of-your-data-at-risk

25/02/2025

Microsoft Copilot is a fantastic AI tool for businesses. It’s designed to help you quickly gather information from Teams messages, Word documents, emails, and the rest of your Microsoft 365 suite.

Copilot is great for boosting productivity and helping you work smarter. But as powerful as it is, some businesses have raised concerns about how it handles sensitive data.

For example, if files don’t have strict enough access settings, it could accidentally put confidential information in front of the wrong people.

Data security should be a top priority for every business, so it’s understandable that these questions have been raised.

The good news? Microsoft's taking action.

It's introduced new tools in SharePoint and Purview to help businesses tighten permissions and control what Copilot can access. From detecting “overshared” files to adding sensitivity labels, these updates are designed to give you confidence in using AI without compromising security.

With privacy concerns being actively addressed, Copilot has even more potential to transform how businesses work.

Do you already use AI tools like this in your business, or do security worries hold you back?

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3616459/microsoft-moves-to-stop-m365-copilot-from-oversharing-data.html

24/02/2025

Microsoft Teams is about to get even better: A new “Take Control” feature is on its way that lets participants interact with shared content during meetings.

Imagine being able to step in and take control of a shared screen, make live edits, fix issues, or walk your employees through a process step by step. It’s a smarter, faster way to collaborate.

This upcoming feature will boost productivity, letting you and your team work together more seamlessly.

For example, if someone accidentally shares sensitive information during a call, you can quickly step in to resolve it and get on with the meeting.

Or let’s say you need to demonstrate something - you’ll be able to take control of the shared screen and show everyone else, instead of just trying to explain it.

Of course, the meeting presenter will be able to approve (or deny) any requests for screen control first.

While this feature is currently being tested, it’s worth waiting for the full rollout before using it in your business. Once it’s fully available, it’ll be yet another reason Teams is now the most popular collaboration tool used by businesses today.

Do you think a feature like this could improve your meetings?

https://www.neowin.net/news/you-can-now-take-control-during-screen-sharing-in-teams-for-the-web/

23/02/2025

More big news for Windows: Files Preview is now available in the Microsoft Store. If you’re looking for a smarter, sleeker alternative to File Explorer, this is worth checking out.

What is Files Preview?

It’s a feature-packed app that takes file management to the next level. Think of it as a turbocharged File Explorer for Windows 10 and 11.

The latest version (3.8.1) includes great updates like better drag-and-drop, improved shortcuts, and a more user-friendly properties window. Whether you’re organising projects, sharing files, or accessing archives, Files Preview makes everything easier.

For businesses, this could mean better productivity and fewer headaches when managing files as part of your daily work. And now that it’s available directly from the Microsoft Store, it’s even easier to get started.

The Files Preview app is free if you download it from the developer’s website. But if you get it from the Microsoft Store for $8.99 (around £7), you’re helping support the continued development of the app. A win-win.

What do you think? Is it time to upgrade how your team manages files?

https://www.neowin.net/news/files-preview-is-now-available-in-the-microsoft-store-with-improved-details-pane-and-more/

22/02/2025

Have you heard of the dark web? It might sound like a far-off concept, but its dangers are closer than you think.

If you aren’t familiar, the dark web is a hidden layer of the internet where criminals can anonymously engage in all kinds of illegal activities - from buying and selling stolen data to sharing confidential business files.

Unlike the websites we use daily, the dark web isn’t searchable or easily accessed. You need special tools and specific browsers to get there.

The dark web actually started as a secure communication platform, developed by the US government. Nowadays, it’s a notorious illegal marketplace where scammers trade information that can harm businesses.

And if you think the dark web could never impact your business, think again. Data breaches can expose sensitive information, like customer details or internal documents, and share it on these hidden forums.

Scammers can even use leaked credentials to access your business systems, steal money, or bring operations to a halt.

So, what can you do to help protect your business?

Start by accepting that some of your information may already be out there. Regularly scan for leaked data, and track mentions of your business or dark web activity tied to it.

It’s also important to be proactive with your security measures, and to make sure your team understands the risks of the dark web.

If you’d like more advice or need help keeping your business secure, get in touch.

https://www.techradar.com/pro/dark-web-dangers-arent-as-hidden-as-you-think