veraTECH Solutions

Stuck in a broadband dead zone? Installing the right router can boost WiFi signals and prevent needless disruptions. Check out these top picks.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/

The Best Wi-Fi Router We’ve tested the latest Wi-Fi routers to find the best ones—from budget options to top of the line—to make your wireless network faster and more responsive.

We are in the midst of a tech revolution. Here’s how you can lead your company towards innovation.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90696056/innovation-doesnt-need-an-x-factorleaders-need-to-focus-on-these-4-tactics-instead

Innovation doesn’t need an ‘X-factor.’ Leaders need to focus on these 4 tactics instead Accenture Interactive’s Pat Connolly notes that privately, many leaders concede that innovation is simply one of those disciplines that can’t be held to the same standards as the rest of the business. But that’s simply the wrong way to approach it.

Want to keep your email account private? This Apple “Hide My Email” feature can hide your identity from prying eyes.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/doing-these-five-things-can-help-lock-down-your-microsoft-365-account-and-keep-hackers-at-bay/

Do these 5 things to secure your Microsoft 365 account and keep hackers at bay If the US government isn't immune to hackers compromising its Microsoft Office software, then neither are you. Here's how to protect your own Microsoft apps and accounts.

Can’t decide between a tablet and a laptop? These 2-in-1 convertible gadgets make your choice easier:
-in-1Laptop
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-2-in-1-laptop/

These are the best 2-in-1s laptops you can get in 2022 From ultraportable to high-performance, there's a convertible laptop to meet your price and performance needs.

Browser extensions can have a dark side. Learn how to adjust security settings to fill in user privacy gaps.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-audit-browser-extensions-security-chrome-firefox-edge-safari/

How to Make Sure Your Browser Extensions Are Safe As useful as all those add-ons can be, don't get complacent when it comes to making sure they're also secure.

Advocates of ethical AI strike again! Read how bigwigs in Silicon Valley might be barricading moral AI research and all those who demand it.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/06/google-silicon-valley-ai-timnit-gebru?CMP=fb_a-technology_b-gdntech

For truly ethical AI, its research must be independent from big tech | Timnit Gebru We must curb the power of Silicon Valley and protect those who speak up about the harms of AI

Can hacking be good? These self-taught hackers beat stereotypes and save millions of dollars. Read the story here.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2021/11/22/self-taught-hackers-are-saving-businesses-27-billion-a-year-heres-how/?ss=cybersecurity&sh=1b8f9ba521ef

Teach Yourself To Hack: How This Self-Taught Hacking Team Saved Businesses $27 Billion Self-taught hackers are at the heart of a hacking team that's saving businesses billions. So, do you want to learn how to hack?

Tune out distractions at work with one of the best noise-canceling headphones. Let’s shop.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear noise-cancelling headphones, we have recommendations to help bring peace to your next trip.

Airpods are out. Earbuds are in again. Learn how the retro switch can prevent your calls from being intercepted.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/dec/07/kamala-harris-airpods-bad-people?CMP=fb_a-technology_b-gdntech

Kamala Harris is on to something: AirPods are bad | Julia Carrie Wong Cybersecurity experts confirm that Bluetooth signals can in fact be intercepted. And old-school earbuds have a level of retro cool

Amazon Echo Show 15 review: It’s bigger, better, and smarter than predecessors. Explore specs that let you work and play as you like.

https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/28/22693503/amazon-echo-show-15-smartdisplay-wall-price-specs-features

Amazon’s new Echo Show 15 is meant to hang on your wall A digital hub for your family.

Sneaky cybercriminals can lock your stored files. Learn how to save your data from ransomware with these cybersecurity tips.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-your-pc-from-ransomware-08ed68a7-939f-726c-7e84-a72ba92c01c3

Protect your PC from ransomware Learn how to identify, troubleshoot, and prevent ransomware on your PC.

Want to make 2022 the year of productivity? These Google Workspace tips will give you the headstart you need to stay up to speed with project deadlines.

https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9283047?hl=en

10 Google Workspace tips for project management - Google Workspace Learning Center Want to get more out of Google apps at work or school?  

Learn how Pela Apple Watch bands blur the lines between style and sustainability. Read why these items are a must-have accessory for the eco-friendly generation.

https://us.cnn.com/2020/06/23/cnn-underscored/pela-apple-watch-bands-review/index.html

These eco-friendly Apple watch bands offer a sustainable update | CNN Underscored Pela's newest addition to its sustainable tech accessory family is the Apple Watch Bands for $39.

Apple MacBook Pro (14”) brings something old, something new, and a powerhouse of features to the table. Read the full review here.
https://www.wired.com/review/macbook-pro-14-inch-2021/

Apple's New MacBook Pro Is a Notch Above the Rest This creator-first machine is powerful, with the ports to prove it.

Is your PC compatible with Windows 11? Here’s what you need to do before the OS upgrade.

https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-system-requirements-is-your-pc-compatible

Windows 11 system requirements – is your PC compatible? May the odds be in your favor

Will you let robot waiters serve you at a restaurant? Learn how the pandemic helped China to become an “AI powerhouse.”

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/dec/08/techscape-china-ai-united-states?CMP=fb_a-technology_b-gdntech

TechScape: how China became an AI superpower ready to take on the United States Up for discussion in this week’s newsletter: a mix of state support and entrepreneurial zeal means China is poised to win the next tech revolution – just as a former Google exec predicted

Is your inbox cluttered with spam? It’s time for a clean sweep with these anti-scam email tips.

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stop-spam-email

7 ways to stop spam email from clogging your inbox Trying to stop all spam email from getting through is tough, but there are ways for you to thwart the majority of it.

Want to keep up with your wellness goals in 2022? These fitness trackers will help you stay active wherever you go.

https://us.cnn.com/2021/10/22/cnn-underscored/best-fitness-tracker

Best fitness trackers of 2021 | CNN Underscored Over the course of month, we tested seven highly rated, beloved trackers, watching as they counted calories, gathered sleep data, and clocked our steps, in order to determine the best fitness tracker on the market.

Have you fallen prey to a data security breach? Learn how to secure your personal information better with these cybersecurity tips for mobile apps

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/what-digital-security-experts-wish-youd-do-to-protect-your-phone-app-privacy/

What digital security experts wish you knew about data privacy Keep iPhone or Android phone apps from spilling your data with these seven tips.

Counter hackers by identifying red flags that signal their illegal activities.

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/hacked-accounts-facebook-gmail-netflix

How to work out if you’ve been hacked and what to do about it Facebook. Google. Netflix. Sometimes your accounts get compromised, here’s what to do when it happens

iPhone 13 redefines phone photography with its superior quality, cool cinematic mode, super-wide angles, and unbeatable recording mode. Discover more.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/iphone-13-pros-camera-has-this-pro-photographer-excited-heres-why/

iPhone 13 Pro's camera has this pro photographer excited. Here's why From macro skills to ProRes video, there are some good reasons for photographers to crave the iPhone 13 Pro.

AI advancements have spooked experts. Read this intriguing article on how the rise of robots and their catastrophic consequences.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/oct/29/yeah-were-spooked-ai-starting-to-have-big-real-world-impact-says-expert

‘Yeah, we’re spooked’: AI starting to have big real-world impact, says expert Prof Stuart Russell says field of artificial intelligence needs to grow up quickly to ensure humans remain in control

iPad Air vs iPad Pro 11: Which one’s right for you? Use this buying guide to pick the perfect tablet for your business and personal pursuits.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2019/oct/24/which-is-best-ipad-air-or-ipad-pro-11

Which is best: iPad Air or iPad Pro 11? Len wants to replace a Samsung Tab S2. Should he buy the 11in iPad Pro or an iPad Air with extra storage?

Have your search engine queries led you to some not-so-great suggestions? Optimize your Googling skills with these simple tips.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2019/dec/19/how-can-i-get-better-at-using-google-search

How can I get better at using Google search? Michael struggles to find the search results he’s looking for, and would like some tips for better Googling

Is it the future of tech or a dystopian nightmare? Discover how Metaverse will transform the digital landscape in the coming years.

https://www.vox.com/recode/22799665/facebook-metaverse-meta-zuckerbergoculus-vr-ar

Why you should care about Facebook’s big push into the metaverse The futuristic tech Mark Zuckerberg is investing billions in could remake the internet.

Unlock Windows 11 productivity features with these tech-savvy hacks.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/9-tricks-thatll-change-the-way-you-use-your-windows-11-computer/

9 tricks that'll change the way you use your Windows 11 computer We've collected a bunch of Windows 11 hacks, from setting up taskbar shortcuts to taking a screenshot on your PC.

To code or not to code? Find out how no-code technology maximizes team productivity and collaboration with its simplified software rules.

https://hbr.org/sponsored/2021/09/the-secret-to-workplace-productivity-no-code-technology

The Secret to Workplace Productivity: No-Code Technology - SPONSOR CONTENT FROM FORMSTACK Sponsor content from EY-Parthenon.

Your humdrum corporate culture can disrupt the power of digitization. Learn how not to be a Grinch in 2022 and “nurture a culture of curiosity” by championing innovation.
’tbeagrinch
https://hbr.org/2020/03/building-a-culture-of-experimentation

Building a Culture of Experimentation It takes more than good tools. It takes a complete change of attitude.

Windows 11 has been a hit and a miss for users. Here are some much-needed features on our wishlist.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/we-wanted-more-from-windows-11-all-the-features-we-didnt-get/

Windows 11 doesn't have all the features we wanted Although Microsoft's latest OS has a lot to offer, there are eight features still missing.

75% of online users connect with public WiFi to check emails and work remotely. Uncover the negative consequences of this habit here.

https://hbr.org/2017/05/why-you-really-need-to-stop-using-public-wi-fi

Why You Really Need to Stop Using Public Wi-Fi Especially when you’re traveling for business.

Tech-forward businesses get an edge over competitors by becoming sassy. Learn how SASE deployments boost cloud security levels with its high-functioning network architecture.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/11/03/what-is-sase-and-how-does-it-promise-to-future-proof-your-network/?sh=c70f48d13483

Council Post: What Is SASE And How Does It Promise To Future-Proof Your Network? The true value of SASE lies in its dynamic and flexible service model.

Too many meetings can spoil the broth (business growth). Optimize team collaboration with this useful virtual meeting guide.

https://hbr.org/2021/10/a-guide-to-the-virtual-meeting

A Guide to the Virtual Meeting You still need to determine if you need to meet at all.

Caught between Microsoft365 vs. Slack? Maximize team collaboration and productivity by harnessing the power of this dynamic duo. Discover more.

https://slack.com/resources/using-slack/slack-office-365-co-existing-together

Slack + Office 365: Co-existing together Gain a understanding of Slack’s unique platform and how it can increase the value of your O365 suite

Microsoft might be going passwordless, but there are some login credential rules you shouldn’t forget just yet. Here are the dos and don’ts of creating passwords.
# Microsoft365
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/misc/password-policy-recommendations?view=o365-worldwide

Password policy recommendations - Microsoft 365 admin Make your organization more secure against password attacks, and ban common passwords and enable risk-based multi-factor authentication.

Apple plans to empower users with a DIY repair program to fix defects and glitches. Here’s everything you should know before its launch.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/markvena/2021/11/22/is-apples-new-self-service-repair-program-for-you/?sh=1455182b4971

Is Apple’s New Self Service Repair Program For You? If your iPhone is out of warranty or isn’t protected by AppleCare, is Apple’s recently announced self-service program for you?

Pegasus Spyware ruffled many feathers and infiltrated digital lives last year. Here’s the 411 on one of the biggest tech cybersecurity controversies of 2021.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-sues-pegasus-spyware-developer-what-you-need-to-know/

Pegasus spyware on State Department phones: What you need to know Software that targeted activists, journalists and executives was reportedly found on US government phones, too. Apple sued NSO Group, its Israeli maker.

What Is 2FA? Learn how two-step verification works and why Google considers it as the best security protocol to counter hackers.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-signs-up-150-million-people-for-two-factor-authentication-what-it-is-how-it-works/

Google signs up 150 million people for two-factor authentication: What it is, how it works The extra step can better secure your accounts while protecting your personal information against hackers and fraud.

Are you guilty of offering your data on a silver platter? These 9 simple rules of password security will let you start 2022 with more secure and stronger login credentials.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/9-rules-for-strong-passwords-how-to-create-and-remember-your-login-credentials/

9 rules for strong passwords: How to create and remember your login credentials The security of your bank account, Netflix account and email inbox depends on how well you safeguard your many passwords.

Start your New Year on a high by upgrading your digital leadership toolkit with these exciting resources.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/05/28/15-tools-and-resources-top-tech-leaders-use-every-day/?sh=7a9891906cf4

Council Post: 15 Tools And Resources Top Tech Leaders Use Every Day Many tech professionals try out a variety of software, apps and tools before settling on those that prove to be real game-changers for them.

Traveling for business or leisure? Don’t let digital footprints lead hackers to your offshore bank accounts and assets. Read this guide before you jet off for your next trip.

https://techcrunch.com/gallery/5-tech-tips-to-keep-your-digital-identity-safe-while-traveling/

5 Tech Tips To Keep Your Digital Identity Safe While Traveling – TechCrunch One area that specifically presents a whole host of security concerns (both physical and digital) is travel. You aren’t just a prime target to get your wallet stolen, but you’re also at risk to have your online identity compromised. Fortunately, there are myriad methods to keep you safe and secu...