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2016

headway-information-service-icloud-what-is-it-and-how-to-set-it-up

ICLOUD: WHAT IT IS & HOW TO SET IT UP

Apple released iCloud in June 2011 as an upgrade from Mobile Me which in some cases did not make Apple fan’s that happy as they had to move and upgrade all their devices on the right software for it to work. Also business customers no longer got the free website design tool that was included. Like all new releases it took time to take off.

There was some mixed reactions but ultimately iCloud was designed to sync all your devices together so that when you did one thing on your iPhone it would sync across to your iPad and Mac or PC making your life easier when it comes to technology.

Since then iCloud has come along way and now has become one of the most inivative creations of Apple which has them out in front and has Microsoft and Android nipping at their tails.

What does iCloud do?

When you have multiple devices for instance, IPhone, IPad, Mac/PC or iWatch you are able to sign in with your iCloud address and password to each of these devices and they will then sync your important contents to the cloud and then down to each of the devices updating as you add/or take more photos, calendars, contacts ect.

(If you have an Apple ID, then you have an iCloud email account. This free account gives you up to 5GB storage for your emails, minus what you use for documents and other data you store in the cloud. It’s easy to work with your iCloud email from Apple’s Mail, on the Mac, or on an iOS device.)

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WHAT IS THE CLOUD PART 1

Have you noticed all of a sudden people are talking about the cloud and uploading to it?

What is it and how does it work? Well lets look at the definition of the cloud “The Cloud is a network of servers and each has a different function. Some servers use computing power to run applications or ‘deliver service’ like Icloud, Dropbox, One Drive and very recently Adobe”. Since the cloud was created applications have popped up left right and centre.

Over the next few posts I will be going through each of the main cloud services and how they work and their benefits.

In layman’s terms, The Cloud is just a bunch of servers based all over the world saving your pictures and documents from your computer,phone or tablet so you can access them anywhere and also retrieve them if your computer has failed, been stolen or lost.

You can upload to it, sync to it and also backup to it, protecting your data and using as a secondary backup to your external hdd backup which we all should have ?

Is it safe? Most cloud services have their own security measures in place to protect your personal items and in the terms and conditions they explain that to you.

What about the hacking of cloud services in the news? In most cases they have obtained the password by hacking the computer directly and hacking the cloud to gain access. That’s where Virus protection comes in protecting both the cloud and your computer.

Now most of us have more than one device and when we take a photo or add contacts etc, how amazing would it be if it synced across all devices and you didn’t need to do a thing. Well that is what having the cloud is all about, being able to sync/backup and add all types of files to make your life easier.

How does it work? Well when we have our devices set correctly wether it be PC or Mac we can access and sync across all of our devices so that if you are on the train and want to keep working on that document you started at work, you can. You are on holidays and taking photo’s with your phone, as soon as you are in a wi-fi area they sync automatically to all devices so no copying when you get home and no worry of loosing them if anything happens to the phone whilst away.

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This is just some of the amazing benefits of having the cloud work for you. Part 2 we will be looking at Icloud for Apple users and how it can work across Apple and Windows devices. Part 3 we will look at DropBox and finally Part 4 will be One Drive for Business and Personal.

Stay tuned for the next installment and if you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover with these cloud devices let me know.

headway-information-services-tips-to-avoid-computer-viruses-and-phishing

TIPS TO AVOID COMPUTER VIRUSES

How many times have we been unaware we are downloading a virus to our computer that if ignored can destroy all your personal data?

Too many times we have clicked on the wrong thing, opened an email or downloaded a program that has more attached than we thought. Seconds later the computer is running slow or freezing and in some cases Ransom ware pops up and they encrypt your data.

Here are some tips to avoid this from happening to you!

  • To avoid pop ups and unwanted commercials coming up on your screen add Adblockplus to your web browser through the extensions page and it will block those pesky add’s and Malware from coming up on your screen. (Ask us how via Twitter or our online chat if you get stuck)
  • Make sure the children need permission first before downloading games online like MindCraft because they too are being targeted.
  • When downloading programs make sure you check the terms and conditions at the bottom as usually when it is free there will be a section at the bottom that has additional web browsers and programs which can download with your software. Unless you un-tick or tick to remove then they download with the program.
  • When checking your email be aware that Encryption Virus’s (What is an Encryption Virus) are in play and they are sent through randomly using some of the most normal emails that we usually open without thinking. Some of them are: Speeding Fine from the Government, Australia Post Tracking Package, Telstra Service emails, Refund emails, Bank emails, Education emails from Schools, Consumer Complaints and any emails with a .exe or Zip file attachment (attachments in folders they ask you to click on to see documentation provided), you are not familiar with could also be a danger. So when opening emails keep in mind next time be aware that these things are out there and just delete anything suspicious.If you are concerned and may think it is valid you can always call the company directly not from any number on the email.
  • Get Anti Virus software – We offer the top 5 Anti Virus Software and can set it up to secure your computer. They also advise you of the good vs bad websites when just browsing the internet and runs in the background to find any unwanted or missed nasties that have come through already.
  • Why not free Anti Virus Software? They do not get the funding to be able to get the latest virus fixes and protect your computer properly.
  • Lastly but not least BACKUP YOUR COMPUTER! We setup external HDD backups that can be unplugged once finishing the backup and can be your saviour if one of these viruses get through.
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That is it for today please send through any comments or questions we are happy to assist in any way.

headway-information-services-welcome-to-all-your-it-needs

WELCOME TO ALL YOUR IT NEEDS

We are a locally based business that has over 10 years experience in IT. Including Certified Mac and Windows Technicians that come to you and deliver the same superior service every time.

When learning is sometimes frustrating if the Trainer/Technician talks too fast and uses words that you don’t understand when you just want a clear and concise answer to your questions. Wouldnt it be better to learn in a comfortable environment with Tech’s that speak in words you understand so that you get the most out of your learning experience?

We are now branching out and will have a weekly blog with Tips and Tricks to assist with some of those annoying day to day computer issues. We are here to help your computer experience run smoothly and to learn along the way.

Also Headway Information Services will be offering Remote Tech Support to help when you need that last minute assistance to support any situation.

Don’t be a stranger and use our contact page to send in topics you would like to discuss and learn so we can tailor the training to your needs.