The Apple Watch is a really fine smartwatch, but it’s not for everyone, especially if you don’t happen to have an iPhone in your pocket. Luckily there’s a wide ecosystem of alternative smartwatch choices to choose from.
Contrary to popular belief, Apple didn’t invent the concept of the smartwatch – it actually all started with the Pebble. But the Apple Watch is still the go-to choice if you’re an iPhone user. However, if you’re not, you best start shopping around: the Apple Watch works with an iPhone and nothing else.
That also means that if you want to make the jump from iOS to Android, you’ve got to leave the Apple Watch behind. But it’s not as though you’re abandoning wearable computing devices – there’s a wide range of price points, features and brands to pick from in the alternative smartwatch space.
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Source by  GIZMODO | June 27, 2020

The work-minded IdeaPad series has been around since 2008, but this is the first time the company has released a gaming version. Until now, the company’s gaming laptops have only branded as part of its Legion lineup, but it seems like the company is trying to capture a larger market by introducing a gaming-focused IdeaPad. The IdeaPad Gaming 3i has more than enough power to run basic programs and just enough enough power to run most games at the right graphics settings.
This laptop is probably be the most attractive to someone shopping for a work laptop who also happens to play PC games from time to time.
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Source by  GIZMODO | June 20, 2020

As the list of companies mandating employees to work from home to stop the spread of coronavirus  grows, you might be wondering just exactly how you can stay sane if it happens to you. The panic over coronavirus is already stressful enough, and the last thing you want to worry about is how to Zoom call your manager -- and whether your Wi-Fi can actually handle it. 

But alas, as the coronavirus outbreak shows no signs of slowing down, you could soon be in that position. Let me let you in on a little secret -- as someone who's been working from home full-time for nearly two years now, it's not all PJs and Netflix like you might imagine. In fact, working from home is sometimes more difficult than not. There can be days when you're distracted or interrupted every 10 seconds by family members or housemates. Or household chores like laundry or dishes could call your name while emails pour into your inbox.

Working from home has its perks -- you can work in sweatpants if you want, there's no commute time and sometimes you can be more focused and efficient. But you'll make the most of it if you approach the day intentionally. Below are some of my best tips for working from home while staying sane and productive.

• Avoid working in bed
• Avoid working where you'll be tempted or distracted
• Set boundaries with other people at home
• Take breaks
• Avoid total social isolation

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
July 10, 2020

The ACSC has just recently updated several publications and released a few new ones covering various aspects of Cyber Security, from basic one page flyers to in depth 20 plus page manuals.
Their Step-by-step guides are very simple to follow and should be read and implemented as standard best practice immediately, as well as duty of care to your loyal customers.
The recurring theme in most of these guides are the basics, Update, Patch & Backup...  Yet we see on an almost daily basis, Windows 7 still being used with un-patched software and older business programs in use. This is a disaster waiting to happen. In 2017, the global ‘WannaCry’ ransomware attack targeted people using unsupported versions of Microsoft Windows.
There were over 200,000 victims in 150 countries who were unable to access their locked down files. Cybercriminals know some users still use products that are no longer being protected by developers’ security updates. Over time, these cybercriminals are more likely to break into these older, unsupported products than those still being protected by their developers.
The techniques cybercriminals use will evolve over time, but the defences of unsupported products will remain as they were at the time of end of support. It's only a matter of time before unsupported Windows 7 machines get hit.
Call us today for a confidential chat about how we can help your business stay safe.
Source by  ACSC | July 2, 2020

No doubt you heard the headlines? The Prime Minister, Scott Morrrison and the Minister for Defence called an Emergency Press Conference to raise awareness of the clear and present danger of a Sustained State-Sponsored Cyber Attack on ALL Australian businesses systems and networks?
 
Then went onto say that all businesses in Australia should take immediate Emergency steps to secure their network facing computers.
 
So, in a nutshell, what do you need to do immediately?

1. If you do nothing else, replace highly vulnerable, outdated Win 7 machines with Win 10 - Not Tomorrow - NOW!
2. Update and run Anti-Virus/Malware software
3. Check ALL email connections are encrypted
4. Update & patch all Apps on Win 10 & OSX
5. Update all smartphones & tablets systems
6. Backup important mission critical data
7. Visit https://www.cyber.gov.au for the latest info
8. Call The Doc for a confidential chat about keeping you safe
9. It's EOFY, so as a precaution. Check your accountant is not using Windows 7 to access or enter your business data. You will be surprised to know how many still are!