While you might think that getting free software with your new Windows 10-powered device sounds like a good idea, it’s not. Beyond taking up storage space and diverting processing power, pre-installed software such as trial versions of video games, antivirus programs, and web browser toolbars — collectively called “bloatware” — can make your device vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Building rapport with customers has never been easier with customer relationship management (CRM) software. You can keep track of contact information, buying preferences, and sales patterns. It’s a must-have for all sales and marketing teams. If you want to know how to make the most out of your CRM, follow these tips.

Desktop virtualization allows you to deliver computing resources to workstations in your network. Those resources are packed into virtual machines (VMs), which can be deployed as easily as any file. However, there are risks associated with trying to manage an overwhelming number of VMs.

The problem with VM sprawl
VM sprawl is a phenomenon that occurs when there are too many virtual machines on a network.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) makes business communications simple and inexpensive. However, scammers are still finding ways to exploit VoIP, such as through “vishing scams, a new type of phishing wherein fraudsters make phone calls, pose as a business or financial partner, and request private details.

G Suite is Google’s powerful productivity and collaboration platform. The suite includes popular Google apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, chat and video-conferencing apps, and so on. Many people are already familiar with these apps, but even those who use it every day may benefit from learning a trick or two on how to further maximize G Suite apps.

Microsoft is releasing Windows 10 build 18305 with a number of major features and improvements for the Start menu, Windows Security, Task Manager, File Explorer, and the Settings app.
Start menu
This now has a new single-column layout with reduced top-level tiles.

Google is shaking things up yet again. Reviews from sites like Facebook and Yelp will now be displayed in search results with well-placed keywords and link-worthy content. Here’s how you can efficiently manage your business’s reviews
How Google changed search results
Google now automatically aggregates and includes online reviews to display in the Knowledge Panel found on the right side of the search results.

Clever business owners utilize an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) during disasters like fires, storms, and other emergency situations. A UPS is usually set up for desktop computers to give users enough time to save their work and progress. Another useful power-saving plan for emergency situations would be to use a UPS for networking gear.

Cybersecurity threats are increasing for both small and large businesses, which means solutions that protect mobile devices are no longer just nice-to-have solutions. As more work is handled outside of the office, the risks to your data increase. Virtualization vendors are leading the charge to tackle these challenges with innovative solutions.

Microsoft and Google have been competing on almost every front. Both have made huge strides in machine learning, cloud computing, and productivity software. In terms of VoIP solutions, the tech powerhouses are also neck and neck with Microsoft’s Skype for Business and Google’s Hangouts Meet.