by Blog | Jul 15, 2024 | Productivity
Let’s face it, iPhones are amazing devices. But even the sleekest, most powerful iPhone can succumb to the dreaded slowdown. Apps take forever to load and scrolling feels sluggish. Pretty soon, simple tasks become frustrating ordeals.
If your iPhone has gone from speedy sidekick to sluggish snail, don’t despair! We are sharing some easy tips to get your iPhone back in tip-top shape.
Give it a Restart: The Digital Power Nap
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised! How long has it been since you’ve turned off your device? Just like us, iPhones need an occasional reboot. Restart your phone. This clears temporary files, closes lingering apps, and frees up memory. It’s a quick and easy way to give your iPhone a much-needed refresh.
Clean Out the Digital Clutter
Our iPhones can become digital packrats, hoarding photos, videos, and apps we no longer use. Do you really need all those selfies? This clutter can slow things
down. Take some time to declutter your digital life.
Photos and Videos
Review your photo and video library. Delete blurry pics, duplicates, and anything you don’t need anymore. Consider using cloud storage services like iCloud Photos or OneDrive. These store precious memories without clogging up your device’s storage space. Many also have an automated upload feature when you snap a new pic.
Unused Apps
Be honest, how many apps do you use daily? Identify apps you haven’t touched in months and delete them. This frees up phone storage space. It can also reduce background activity and improve battery life.
Offload Unused Apps & Keep Data (iOS 11 and later)
This nifty feature lets you free up storage space by keeping an app’s data while deleting the app itself. When you need the app again, you can simply download it without losing any saved data.
Remove Unneeded Podcasts
Many podcasts download to your device without you realizing it. This allows you to listen without a direct connection but can fill up your device fast! If you listen to several podcasts, they all can be taking up valuable space. Review your iPhone’s storage and remove unnecessary podcast downloads.
Tame Background App Refresh
Background App Refresh allows apps to fetch new content. This happens even when you’re not actively using them. It can be helpful for staying up-to-date but it can also drain your battery and slow down your phone.
Review your Background App Refresh settings. Turn it off for apps you don’t need constantly refreshing in the background.
Not Every App Needs to Know Where You Are
Many apps constantly track your location. They do it even when you’re not using them. This location tracking can drain your battery and impact performance. Review your Location Services settings. Restrict access for apps that don’t need constant location awareness.
Reduce Motion Effects
Apple’s fancy motion effects include things like app parallax and zoom animations. They can be beautiful, but they can also be resource-intensive. Turn off iPhone motion effects. This can free up processing power and make your iPhone feel snappier.
Update Your Apps and iOS
App and iOS updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Make sure you’re running the latest versions of your apps and iOS. This ensures
optimal performance and security.
Disable Automatic Downloads
Automatic app and iOS updates are convenient, but they can sometimes happen at inconvenient times, slowing down your phone. Consider disabling automatic downloads. Update apps and iOS manually when you have time and a good Wi-Fi connection. Make this a recurring task on your calendar. These updates are important for security, so you don’t want to forget them.
Nuclear Option: Reset Your iPhone
If all else fails, a factory reset might be necessary. This wipes your iPhone clean and restores it to its original settings. It can be the most effective way to clear out bugs that might be causing slowdowns.
But be careful with this nuclear option. Before doing a factory reset, be sure to back up your iPhone. Also, sign out of iCloud. This ensures you avoid losing important data.
Check Your Battery Health
A degraded battery can also contribute to slowdowns. Head to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Here you can see your iPhone’s maximum battery capacity. If
it’s below 80%, your phone might be throttling performance to conserve battery life. In this case, consider replacing your battery for optimal performance.
Follow these simple tips. They’ll help you diagnose the cause of your iPhone’s sluggishness as well as get it running smoothly again. A little maintenance goes
a long way in keeping your iPhone happy and fast!
Need Help with a Smartphone or Tablet?
When your smartphone isn’t working right, it can be a real pain. Don’t struggle. Get help from the pros. Our team can diagnose internal and external smartphone issues as well as help with tablets, laptops, and other devices.
Contact us today to see how we can help.
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by Blog | Feb 25, 2024 | Productivity
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool. It can enhance the productivity, efficiency, and creativity of your staff. But AI also comes with some challenges and risks. Businesses need to address and manage these to use AI effectively.
Establishing clear and ethical guidelines, or “AI rules,” for staff interaction is essential. Otherwise, you may not know when AI is being used for business data. Employees may also be scared to use AI without direction. This can leave them missing out on incredible time savings.
64% of businesses expect AI to increase productivity.
In this article, we will share some tips for setting up AI rules for your staff. These tips can help you harness the benefits of AI while avoiding the pitfalls.
Define the scope and purpose of AI use.
Before you introduce AI to your staff, you need to have a clear vision. Know what you want to achieve with AI. As well as how it aligns with your business goals and values.
You also need to communicate this vision to your staff. Explain how AI will support their work and improve their outcomes. This will help you set realistic expectations and avoid confusion or frustration.
Establish ethical principles and guidelines.
AI can have significant impacts on your staff, customers, and partners. As well as society at large. So, you need to ensure that your AI use is ethical, fair, transparent, and accountable. You can do this by developing a set of ethical principles and guidelines. They should reflect your organizational culture and values. As well as follow relevant laws and regulations. You also need to educate your staff on these guidelines and track their compliance.
Involve stakeholders in the decision-making process.
AI rule-setting should not be a top-down process. Involve key stakeholders, including employees, in the decision-making process. Gather insights from different departments and roles. This helps ensure that AI rules are reflective of diverse perspectives. This collaborative approach enhances the quality of the rules. It also fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among staff members.
Assign roles and responsibilities.
AI is not a magic solution that can replace human judgment and oversight. You still need to have a clear division of roles and responsibilities. This would be between your staff and the AI systems they use.
You should define who handles the following AI system tasks:
- Design
- Development
- Deployment
- Maintenance
- Auditing
- Updating
You should also define who is accountable for the outcomes and impacts of AI use. Ensure that you support your staff with training, enablement, and change management.
Provide training and support.
Empower your staff with the skills necessary to work effectively alongside AI. Offer comprehensive training programs. They should cover the basics of AI technology. As well as its applications within the organization and guidelines for AI interaction. Providing ongoing support ensures that employees feel confident. As well as capable in their roles within an AI-enhanced environment.
Ensure data security and privacy.
AI systems often rely on vast amounts of data. As such, emphasize robust data security and privacy measures. Clearly communicate the steps taken to safeguard sensitive information. Adhere to data protection regulations. Establish a robust cybersecurity framework. One that protects both employee and organizational data from potential breaches.
Put a feedback loop in place.
Create a system for gathering feedback from employees about their interactions with AI. This feedback loop serves as a valuable mechanism. It helps with identifying areas of improvement and refining AI rules. As well as addressing any concerns or challenges that arise during implementation. Actively listen to employee feedback to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Review and update your AI rules regularly.
AI is a dynamic and evolving field. It requires constant adaptation and improvement. You cannot set up your AI rules once and forget about them. You need to review and update these rules regularly. This is to ensure that they are still relevant and effective. As well as aligned with your business goals and values. You also need to evaluate the performance, outcomes, and impacts of your AI use. Use this information to make adjustments as needed.
Encourage a growth mindset.
Foster a culture of curiosity and a growth mindset within your organization. Encourage employees to embrace AI as a tool for augmentation. But not a replacement. Communicate that AI is here to enhance their capabilities and streamline processes. It allows them to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their roles.
Get Expert Guidance with an AI Transformation
AI can be a game-changer for your business. That is if you use it wisely and responsibly. By following these tips, you can set up AI rules for your staff. Rules that can help you leverage the power of AI while minimizing the risks.
Need an expert guide for a digital or AI transformation? Give us a call today to schedule a chat.
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by Blog | Jan 15, 2024 | Productivity
These days, our lives are intricately woven into the digital fabric. From emails to photos, documents to apps, our devices store tons of information. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the sight of an endless inbox or app library.
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time for a digital declutter. A clean and organized digital environment can help you improve your productivity. It also reduces stress. Here are some practical tips to help you declutter your digital space.
1. Start with a digital inventory
Before diving in, assess your digital landscape. Take stock of your devices, accounts, and digital files. Knowing what you have is the first step toward effective decluttering.
2. Focus on your most-used digital spaces
You don’t have to declutter everything at once. Start with the digital spaces that you use the most. Such as your email, cloud storage, and social media. These are the places where digital clutter can accumulate. As well as affect your performance and well-being.
Also, focus on your primary devices. Like your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Decluttering these devices will have an immediate impact on your daily life.
3. Organize your files and folders
One of the best ways to declutter your digital space is to organize your files and folders. Create a systematic file organization structure. Use clear, intuitive folder names and categorize files logically. Use color coding to quickly identify specific subjects. This makes locating documents easier and prevents clutter from accumulating.
Delete or archive any files that you don’t need anymore. Back up your important data to a cloud service or an external drive.
4. Clean up your email inbox
Your email inbox can be a source of stress and distraction. Especially if it’s overflowing with unread or unwanted messages.
To declutter your email inbox, you can:
- Unsubscribe from newsletters or promotional emails that you don’t read or need.
- Use filters or labels to sort your emails by sender, subject, or priority.
- Archive or delete old or irrelevant emails.
- Set up a folder or label for the current year, quarter, or month, and move your emails there.
- Refresh your email signature and make sure it has your correct information.
5. Clean up your social media
Social media can be a great way to connect with others. But it can also be a source of digital clutter. Especially if you have too many accounts, posts, messages, or notifications.
To declutter your social media accounts, you can:
- Delete or deactivate any accounts that you don’t use or need.
- Unfollow or mute any accounts that don’t add value to your life.
- Clear your message inboxes and delete any spam or unwanted messages.
- Delete or archive any posts or photos that you don’t want to keep.
- Adjust your privacy and notification settings to suit your preferences.
6. Review your subscriptions
Another way to declutter your digital space is to review your subscriptions. You may have signed up for services that you don’t use or need anymore. Cancel any subscriptions that you don’t need. These may include streaming services, membership sites, cloud services, or mobile apps.
This decluttering move can help you save money besides streamlining your digital environment.
7. Review and delete unused apps
Apps can clutter your device and drain its resources. Review your apps and delete the ones you seldom use. Keep only essential applications to optimize device performance.
Old, unused mobile apps can also pose a security risk. If you’re not using the app, it’s likely outdated. Update any apps that you’re keeping to properly secure them.
8. Clear your desktop and downloads folder
A cluttered desktop and downloads folder can hamper productivity. Move files to appropriate folders and clear your desktop. This creates a clean, distraction-free workspace. It can also speed up your computer.
9. Secure your digital identity
Review your online accounts. Delete unused accounts and update passwords for security. Consider using a reputable password manager to enhance your online security.
10. Evaluate your digital habits
Reflect on your digital habits. Identify time-wasting activities and limit them. Set boundaries for social media and focus on meaningful online interactions.
11. Create digital detox days
Set up specific days for a digital detox. Disconnect from screens. Engage in physical activities and spend quality time with loved ones. Regular digital detox fosters mental well-being.
12. Streamline notifications
Excessive notifications can overwhelm and distract. You may feel like you’re not getting anything done because of constant interruptions. Customize app notifications, allowing only essential alerts. This minimizes distractions and enhances focus.
13. Invest in digital tools
Use productivity apps and tools. Project management apps, note-taking tools, and calendars help streamline tasks and enhance efficiency.
14. Practice regular maintenance
Digital decluttering is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process. Schedule regular maintenance sessions to keep your digital life organized and clutter-free.
Need Help with Data Management Solutions?
Here’s to stepping into the new year with a clear, focused mind and a more organized digital life. We can help you keep your data under control. We offer effective data storage, backup, and management solutions.
Contact us today to schedule a chat.
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by Blog | Jan 10, 2024 | Productivity
In our tech-driven world, electronic devices have become indispensable. But with constant upgrades, what happens to the old gadgets? They tend to pile up and eat up storage space. But you can’t just throw them in the trash. E-waste poses a significant environmental threat if not disposed of responsibly.
E-waste is a term that refers to electronic devices that are no longer useful or wanted. These include things like:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Printers
- Cameras
- TVs
- and more
E-waste can contain hazardous materials. Such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. These can harm the environment and human health if they are not disposed of properly.
E-waste comprises about 70% of toxic waste. People only recycle 12.5% of it.
So, what can you do to responsibly get rid of e-waste at your home or office? Here are some tips.
1. Understand What Makes Up E-Waste
E-waste includes old computers, smartphones, printers, and other electronic devices. It also comprises batteries, chargers, and even cables. Understanding what makes up e-waste is the first step towards responsible disposal.
Most people simply aren’t aware of what e-waste includes. This is a big reason that most of it ends up in landfills. Which is not good for us or the environment.
2. Reduce Your E-Waste
The next step is to reduce the amount of e-waste you generate in the first place. This means buying only what you need. Also choosing durable and energy-efficient products. As well as extending the lifespan of your devices by repairing them when possible.
Before buying a new electronic device, ask if it’s necessary. Can more than one person share a company tablet, for example? In some cases, everyone in a family or office might not need a duplicate device.
3. Explore Recycling Programs
Many electronics retailers and manufacturers have recycling programs. Research local options. Retailers often collect old gadgets, ensuring they are recycled or disposed of properly. These programs are convenient and eco-friendly.
Here are a couple you can check out:
4. Use E-Waste Recycling Centers
E-waste recycling centers specialize in disposing of electronic devices safely. They dismantle gadgets, recycle valuable components, and dispose of hazardous materials responsibly. Locate a certified e-waste recycling center near you for proper disposal.
Here are a few sites where you can find recycling centers:
5. Consider Donating or Selling Functioning Devices
If your old devices are still functional, consider donating them. Many charities and schools accept functional electronics. Or you can sell them online through reputable platforms. This gives gadgets a new life and reduces e-waste.
Make sure you properly clean data from old devices first. You don’t want someone having access to your online banking app or all your family photos. Keep on reading for tips on doing this properly.
6. Dispose of Batteries Separately
Batteries, especially rechargeable ones, contain hazardous materials. Many retailers and recycling centers have dedicated bins for battery disposal. Always separate batteries from other e-waste for proper handling.
7. Try Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Several electronic manufacturers offer take-back programs. When you buy a new device, inquire about their disposal programs. Some manufacturers take back old gadgets, ensuring responsible recycling or refurbishment.
8. Opt for Certified E-Waste Recyclers
When using e-waste recycling services, choose certified recyclers. Look for certifications like R2 or e-Stewards. These certifications ensure that the recycling process meets high environmental standards. As well as data security protocols.
9. Educate Your Office or Household
Awareness is key. Educate your office or household about the importance of responsible e-waste disposal. Encourage everyone to take part and follow proper disposal methods.
10. Repurpose or Upcycle
Get creative. You can often repurpose or upcycle old electronics. Turn an old computer monitor into a digital photo frame. Use smartphone parts for DIY projects. Upcycling reduces waste and adds a touch of innovation.
11. Encourage Manufacturer Responsibility
Support companies that take environmental responsibility seriously. Choose products from manufacturers committed to sustainable practices and responsible e-waste management.
Make Sure to Secure Data Before Disposal, Sale, or Donation
Before parting with your devices, wipe all data. Otherwise, you could become the victim of cybercrime. It’s not unusual for criminals to troll dumps for old electronics. Remove all traces of your data to keep yourself protected.
Use reliable data erasure software. Or consult with an IT professional to securely wipe information from old gadgets. Data security is crucial even in disposal.
Get Help Backing Up & Cleaning Devices
It’s important to both back up and remove all data from devices before you get rid of them. We can help with expert data migration from the old device to the new one. As well as thorough data cleaning to ensure all information is removed.
Give us a call today to schedule a chat.
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by Blog | Oct 20, 2023 | Productivity
Two monitors are often better than one when it comes to getting things done efficiently. A dual-monitor setup can significantly enhance your productivity. This is true whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or an office wiz who loves to multitask.
A study by Jon Peddie Research found that dual displays can increase productivity by 42%. But it’s not as simple as just setting up an extra screen.
It’s common for people to feel “off kilter” when trying to work from two monitors. They may even find it harder despite having more screen real estate. The cause is usually the setup. They either have the screens positioned wrong or aren’t optimizing the settings.
We’ll dive into some dual-monitor setup best practices. These should help you improve your two-screen experience and take it to the next level.
Best Practices for a Great Two-Screen Setup
1. Match Size and Resolution
Before you jump into the excitement of a dual-monitor setup do some matching. Make sure your monitors are well-matched with each other. Try to use monitors of the same size and resolution. This helps to avoid any jarring differences in image quality or screen real estate. Your eyes will thank you for the consistency!
2. Get the Right Cables
Picture this: you’ve set up your dual monitors, and you’re all excited to fire them up. But your cables don’t fit the ports! To avoid this headache, check your device outputs and inputs to ensure you have the right cables on hand. HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI are common options. But verify which ones you need for optimal performance.
3. Positioning is Everything
Now that you’ve got your monitors ready to go, let’s talk positioning. Placing your monitors correctly can make a world of difference. This is true for both your comfort and productivity.
Ideally, arrange them side by side, keeping the top edges aligned. Adjust the angle to reduce neck strain, and make sure the distance is comfortable for your eyes. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in front of these screens.
4. Embrace the Extended Desktop
It’s tempting to mirror your displays and have the same content on both screens. But that’s not the full potential of a dual-monitor setup. Embrace the extended desktop feature. It allows you to have separate content on each screen.
This means you can work on a document on one screen. And browse the web or handle email on the other—double the productivity!
5. Focus on Taskbar Tweaks
A cluttered taskbar can quickly turn your dual-monitor setup into chaos. Keep things organized. Set the taskbar to display only the active applications on the screen they’re open in.
Steps:
- Right-click on the taskbar, go to “Taskbar settings.”
- Open “Taskbar behaviors”
- Adjust the setting, “When using multiple displays, show my taskbar apps on.” Set it to the taskbar where the window is open.
No more hunting for the right window across two taskbars.
6. Leverage Shortcuts
Did you know that Windows has some nifty window-snapping shortcuts? Use the Windows key plus the left or right arrow to snap an application to one side of the screen. It will fill exactly half of it.
This is perfect for comparing documents. As well as writing while researching or watching a video while working. It’s a productivity boost that you won’t be able to live without once you’ve tried it!
7. Gaming in Style
If you’re a gamer, a dual-monitor setup can bring your gaming experience to a whole new level. Many modern games support dual monitors, allowing you to have an extended field of view. This is especially true in racing and flight simulation games. Just remember to adjust your graphics settings accordingly for the best performance.
8. Mastering Multitasking
Multitasking is where dual monitors truly shine. For example, you can have your design software open on one screen and your reference images on the other.
Writers can have research materials on one screen. With their writing software on the other. The possibilities are endless. It’s like having a productivity superhero at your disposal! Explore workflows that make the most of both screens.
9. Tame the Cable Chaos
Dual monitors mean double the cables. If you’re not careful, it can quickly turn into a cable jungle. To keep things tidy, invest in some cable management solutions. Such as adhesive cable clips or cable sleeves. Your setup will look cleaner. It’ll also be easier to make changes or upgrades in the future.
10. Don’t Forget the Ergonomics
As you immerse yourself in your dual-monitor world, remember to consider ergonomics. Ensure that your monitors are at eye level. And your keyboard and mouse are at a comfortable height and angle.
Good ergonomics can prevent strain and discomfort. This allows you to enjoy your setup for longer without any aches or pains.
Need Help with Hardware or Software Setup?
Why struggle with hardware or software setup? Come to the pros to save time and avoid frustration.
Give us a call today to schedule a chat about your technology needs.
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by Blog | Oct 5, 2023 | Productivity
Most people are familiar with their device’s Airplane Mode. You’ve probably used it when jetting off to exotic locations. But did you know that it’s not just for globetrotters?
That’s right! Airplane Mode isn’t only for flying; it can be a handy feature for your everyday life. Here are some top reasons why you should consider toggling it on, even if you’re not traveling.
1. Save That Precious Battery Life
Who doesn’t want their smartphone battery to last longer? Airplane Mode can be your secret weapon against those battery-draining apps. The ones that are constantly running in the background.
By switching on Airplane Mode, you effectively shut down all communication functions. This includes Wi-Fi, cellular data, and Bluetooth. This can be a lifesaver when you’re running low on battery and need your phone to last until you can find a charger.
2. Boost Your Charging Speed
We’ve all experienced those moments of panic when our phone’s battery is about to die. We desperately need to charge it ASAP. Well, here’s a neat trick: put your phone in Airplane Mode before plugging it in.
Studies show that phones charge about 4 times faster in Airplane Mode.
By doing this, your phone won’t be wasting power on syncing notifications. Or checking for updates or connecting to networks. As a result, it will charge up faster, getting you back in the game in no time.
3. A Tranquil Escape from Notifications
Life can get chaotic, and sometimes you need a break from constant pings. Turning on Airplane Mode grants you the gift of peace and tranquility, even if only for a little while. You can enjoy some quality “me” time. All without interruptions from social media alerts or work emails. It’s like creating your little digital oasis!
4. Focus Mode: Engaged!
We all struggle with staying focused from time to time. Whether it’s work, studying, or a creative project, distractions are everywhere. Airplane Mode can be your go-to tool to combat those distractions. By cutting off the internet connection, you’ll find it easier to concentrate on the task at hand. So, next time you need to get in the zone, remember to flip that Airplane Mode switch!
5. Prevent Embarrassing Moments
Picture this: You’re in an important meeting. Then suddenly your phone starts blaring an embarrassingly loud ringtone. Oops! And even if the ringer is off, phones often vibrate when getting a call or notification.
Avoid these awkward moments. Use Airplane Mode in situations where silence is golden. You can still use your phone for notetaking or accessing offline content. But without any fear of accidental disruptions.
6. Roaming Woes, Be Gone!
When you’re in an area with poor cellular reception, what happens to your phone? It might tirelessly search for a signal. This can lead to battery drain. Airplane Mode can be a lifesaver in such situations.
By turning it on, you prevent your phone from endlessly searching for a network. This saves precious battery power. It can also keep you from connecting to a dangerous network.
7. A Digital Detox
Sometimes we all need a break from the digital world. It can be to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply be present in the moment. Airplane Mode lets you temporarily disconnect from the online realm. But you still have access to your phone’s offline features.
8. Avoid Unwanted Radiation
The jury is still out on any health risks of mobile phone radiation. But some people prefer to err on the side of caution. Enabling Airplane Mode reduces your phone’s radiation emission. This is because it disables most of the communication features. If you’re concerned about exposure, using Airplane Mode can provide some peace of mind.
9. Save Data and Money
If you’re on a limited data plan, turning on Airplane Mode can help you manage your data usage. As well as avoiding unexpected charges. It’s a smart move. Especially when you’re nearing the end of your billing cycle and don’t want to exceed your data limit.
Remember, Airplane Mode isn’t just for frequent flyers. It’s a nifty feature that can enhance your daily life in various ways. It offers longer battery life and faster charging. As well as escaping the constant barrage of notifications, it has benefits. Airplane Mode can be your digital ally in a world that’s always connected.
So, don’t be shy to give it a try, and enjoy this underrated smartphone feature. Even when your feet are firmly on the ground!
Keep Your Smartphone Optimized & Secure
Do you need help securing your smartphone from viruses and attacks? Wish you knew how to use all its features better? Our team of experts can help with training and device security.
Give us a call today to schedule a chat.
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