MTG’s IT Blog

Cybersecurity Essentials: VPN

December 6th, 2017

Whether it’s because of government surveillance or cyberattacks, internet users are more concerned than ever about the privacy of their online activities. Unfortunately, security measures like firewalls and antivirus software can’t help you in this case, but there’s one that can: Virtual Private Network (VPN).
What is VPN?
Simply put, a VPN is a group of servers you connect to via the internet.

Useful keyboard shortcuts for Mac users

December 5th, 2017

Did you recently switch from Windows to Mac? If so, you’re probably still getting used to the Apple keyboard. The good news is it’s only slightly different from a non-Apple keyboard. The bad news is you’ll have to learn a whole new set of shortcuts.

How to extend your laptop battery life

December 1st, 2017

These days, we get a lot of our work done on laptops, which means battery life is a huge priority for any laptop user. Wouldn’t it be good, then, to learn how to prolong the life of your laptop battery? Here are a few useful tips to do just that.
Some truths about your laptop battery
Batteries in many devices nowadays are lithium-based -- either lithium-ion or lithium-polymer -- so users must take note of the following guidelines for their proper maintenance:

They can’t be overcharged, even though you leave your battery plugged in for a long period of time.

Microsoft’s new productivity apps are live

November 30th, 2017

In July 2017, Microsoft announced three brand new apps for Office 365: Connections, Listings, and Invoicing. They were designed for businesses with fewer than 300 employees and after a few months of beta testing, they’re finally available to Business Premium users.

Google improves Chrome’s security settings

November 29th, 2017

Most web browsers have built-in security measures to protect users, but some of those aren’t enough to ward off unwanted software. To improve Chrome’s security, Google rolled out some changes in its Chrome Cleanup tool for Windows. Here’s how the enhanced tool protects you.

How do idle VMs cost businesses

November 27th, 2017

Thanks to virtualization software, the time it takes to bring virtual machines (VMs) online is faster than ever. You could deploy a fleet of them in minutes, but as with most technologies, there are some drawbacks. Experts say too many VMs can cause a logistical nightmare and cost your business a lot of money.

VoIP options: Open source vs. Proprietary

November 24th, 2017

Switching to internet-based phones gives you the chance to enjoy innovative new call features and significant cost reductions. There are a lot of options when choosing which voice over IP (VoIP) platform you use, but first you need to pick whether you’ll use an open-source or proprietary system.

Outlook on Mac and Windows gets redesigned

November 23rd, 2017

Microsoft is redesigning Outlook for Mac and Windows to reduce clutter and improve user experience. The design changes will be patterned after the iOS version of the app, which is much easier to use and more modern-looking than its desktop counterpart.

Google studies effects of leaked logins

November 21st, 2017

Passwords are your first line of defense against hackers. But over the years, they have developed plenty of methods to steal them. To gain a deeper understanding of how cybercriminals operate, Google analyzed the causes of leaked login credentials. Here are the results.

Essential macOS High Sierra updates

November 17th, 2017

The macOS 10.13.1 High Sierra update “improves the security, stability, and reliability of your Mac and is recommended for all users.” This is a standard message in most operating system updates, but users seldom pay heed. This time, however, Apple’s latest Mac OS includes a security update that’s essential to keeping your devices safe from KRACK.
Why you should update now
Foremost on Apple’s list of macOS updates is the addition of 70 new emojis.