Microsoft is rolling out the next iteration of its operating system, Windows 11. Of course, new = better, right? But, when it comes to Windows 11, you may want to consider waiting. Here’s why.
Typically, software updates are something to install as a matter of course. The manufacturer, after all, is delivering the latest and greatest in its upgrade. This can be new efficiencies, improved processes, and increased security. [Read more…]
Windows 11 Is Coming: Should You Upgrade?Microsoft’s next version of Windows is being rolled out this year, and businesses’ are now wondering if the upgrade is right for their needs. This article looks at the changes and helps you weigh up your options.
Windows 11 simplifies Microsoft’s operating system and user interface. The new release is still only at the preview stage, but we know there’s a new startup sound and Start menu. Additionally, snap controls allow users to resize and reposition windows on their desktop. Microsoft also touts its content personalization tools and many widgets to choose from. Plus, an app store rebuild makes it easier to browse, install, and update applications.
For business, though, the big question is whether the upgrade makes sense. The full launch of the software is due in late 2021. In the meantime, those already using Windows 10 are wondering why they should upgrade. After all, Microsoft is promising to support the Windows 10 OS until October 14, 2025.
Many advance reviews of Windows 11 focus on the new look of the desktop operating system, but there are also functionality changes to enhance productivity and security.
Employees today collaborate virtually and are always looking for ways to improve efficiency. Windows 11 aims to help by offering a new taskbar that integrates Teams right into the desktop. This simplifies multitasking and makes it easier for users to jump into a group chat or team meeting. Users can also mute/unmute or start presenting right from the desktop.
While remote working has grown, so too has cybersecurity risk. With more people seeking to access software from home, cyberattacks are rampant. Windows 11 embraces a Zero Trust framework. This validates both user identity and the platform to better safeguard access, making cybersecurity a default rather than an add-on. It offers hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection with hybrid work in mind.
The productivity and security enhancements are appealing, but they demand more advanced hardware. Windows 11 requires:
The upgrade is free (right now) to those with Microsoft 365 licenses. Yet, buying new machines could prove costly.
Businesses can manually check device compatibility, or run diagnostic tests such as the DirectX diagnostic tool (DxDiag) or the PC Health Check App, or hire an IT consultant to assess systems (and needs) before making the decision to invest in new devices.
The move to Windows 11 could also impact other applications the business relies upon. For example, Microsoft has moved away from Internet Explorer and its ActiveX-based applications, which means employees may be using products and services that will be impacted.
Ultimately, Windows 11 has its benefits, yet there are drawbacks to consider, too. Before making an upgrade decision, contact your managed service provider. We’ll check you have the necessary hardware, and that your applications will remain supported.
We can help also with your Windows 11 deployment. Windows Autopilot or Microsoft Intune cloud and automation can help, but working with IT experts can also cut downtime. Book an appointment for help today!
Productivity is the great goal of business. If you’re a Microsoft 365 user, you have access to a tool that can easily increase your process efficiency. Here’s what you need to know about Microsoft’s Power Automate.
Power Automate is a cloud-based product available to Windows 10 users. The tool, formerly known as Microsoft Flows, brings intelligent automation to business processes. Harness the benefits of artificial intelligence developing workflows and creating data dashboards.
Power Automate hands over mundane tasks and manual processes to robotic process automation (RPA). With RPA you can:
Power Automate is available online, as a desktop client, or as a mobile application, and for both iOS and Android devices. Best of all, it’s included in your Microsoft cost.
In Power Automate you build time-saving workflows using a low-code or no-code experience. The software offers templates or step-by-step guidance to help create automated workflows.
The secure and scalable technology connects with other Microsoft products, of course. It can also link new and legacy systems and allows users to integrate or create their own connectors.
You might set up a notification in Teams when a new Microsoft Forms response comes in, or when a Microsoft Planner task updates, or configure workflows to move documents between different SharePoint folders, or hand over Excel calculations to the AI.
Don’t trust RPA to do the work on its own? You can set up attended or unattended workflows. Attended workflows need humans to start the task or provide Yes or No feedback at workflow sequence stages.
You might use unattended for boring, time-consuming tasks. Think of the time saved in accounting with Power Automate:
RPA can help any business save time and reduce operating costs. Plus, Power Automate doesn’t work solely in the Microsoft environment. You might connect a Customer Relationship Management tool. Then, you could automate appointment scheduling and trigger file sending from One Drive.
The uses of RPA abound across industries. You might use Power Automate to:
Create workflows using templates or design your own with what Microsoft touts as “point-and-click simplicity.” Don’t find it that simple? We can do it for you.
Streamline repetitive tasks and operational processes with Power Automate. Turn your attention instead to areas that grow business and boost innovation. Need assistance setting up the workflows in Power Automate? Our IT experts can help. Contact us today to book an appointment:
If you’ve watched the news much over the last few years, you’ve probably heard of Ransomware like NotPetya, WannaCry, and CryptoLocker, but what do you REALLY know about Ransomware? How can you protect yourself against ransomware attacks? Y-Not Tech Services is here to shed light on this cyber tactic and help you protect yourself. [Read more…]
Windows 10’s next major release is scheduled to drop sometime in October of 2018 and Microsoft has announced that there is a small problem with it. The update fails to check if the PC has enough storage space to install the update. If the PC is lacking in hard drive (or Solid State) space, the update will fail, and then try again. And fail. And then try again. And fail. Well, I think you get the picture. The biggest problem with this scenario is that you will see a poorer performance from your PC while it tries to install the update, and since it will keep trying to install, the poor performance will continue. So in this post, we’ll show you a simple way to free up Hard Drive space in Windows 10. [Read more…]
